Concept cars have graced auto show floors since the late 1930s, showcasing designs and technologies that could one day make it to production. That idea is still true today. But over the past 85 years, concept cars have evolved into sleeker, sharper, and more futuristic machines.
In 2025, automakers around the world unveiled concepts offering a glimpse into the future—2,000-horsepower hypercars, extravagant EVs, and even a few vehicles that could realistically reach showrooms within the next few years. That is, if we're lucky.
But among the nearly 50 concept cars that made it to auto shows just this past year, these are the ones we believe are truly destined to define the automotive landscape over the next few years. See if you agree.
Audi Concept C
Why It Matters: Let's face it: Audi is in a rut. The German automaker's cars aren't nearly as exciting to look at or drive as they were in previous decades. But the good folks in Ingolstadt recognize these issues, and they’re already making moves to right the ship.
That starts with the Concept C—maybe Audi’s most important concept car in over a decade. The Concept C debuted in September, and Audi has already suggested that it will set the framework for the next decade of design, or longer. A new sports car based on the TT is already reportedly in the works, while Audi’s sedans and SUVs are likely to get the same visual treatment. In terms of overall importance, the Concept C may be at the top of this list.
Bentley EXP15
Why It Matters: Bentley was going to go all electric, but the recent EV downturn has forced the company to rethink that strategy. That’s not to say EVs are off the table entirely, though. Bentley has a new electric SUV on the way next year and plans for even more down the line. Inspiring most of them will be the EXP15 concept.
The EXP15 debuted in July, and while it may not look all that retro—especially with its screen-heavy interior—Bentley cracked open the history books for this one. The EXP15 draws from the 1930 Bentley Speed Six. The concept as it sits won’t reach production, but cues from the EXP15 should make their way into Bentley’s lineup in the near future.
Buick Electra Orbit
Why It Matters: Here in America, Buick is, well, kind of a forgotten brand. Its SUVs have certainly gotten better, but Buick still plays second and third fiddle to GM’s other premium brands. In China, it’s another story; Buick is one of the biggest players in the region. While this year’s Electra Orbit concept may not be huge news for American Buick fans, it is a big deal in China.
The Buick Electra Orbit debuted in August and was designed entirely in-house by the GM China Advanced Design Center. It’s a stunning 2+2 with scissor doors and a gorgeous retro-futuristic design that harkens back to Buicks of the 1950s, with a matching throwback interior. This car won’t make it to production as is, but the design will inspire future Buicks bound for China.
Cadillac Elevated Velocity
Why It Matters: The Elevated Velocity is a testbed for Cadillac, designed to determine which technologies and features tomorrow’s luxury buyers might want. Electrification and automation are opening up opportunities that Cadillac is exploring, like how much drivers want a car to drive itself.
The Elevated Velocity concept features illuminated wheels and a steering-wheel screen, which Cadillac is actively working to produce. Cadillac might not ever turn this into a real vehicle, but many of the features will likely appear in future models.
Chevrolet Corvette Concepts
Why It Matters: Believe it or not, Chevrolet actually debuted three Corvette concepts this year—each one with its own unique design. The first Corvette concept came from the UK (pictured here); a futuristic vision of what the iconic sports car could look like with gullwing doors and a video game-inspired exterior.
The other two Corvette concepts were designed right here in the good ol’ US of A. The California Corvette concept debuted in August with a sharp two-tone design, a carbon-fiber monocoque, and a fully electric powertrain. A few months later, Chevy pulled the cover off the Corvette CX with a 2,000-hp powertrain.
Will any of these make it to production? Very unlikely. But the design elements and powertrain components from all three of these concepts could make their way to the Corvette in the future. Don’t be surprised if the C9 has some of these features.
Genesis Magma GT
Why It Matters: The Genesis Magma GT was a surprise debut from the Korean brand last November. It previews what the future looks like for Genesis as it transitions to offering luxury high-performance models, which will include a "Magma Halo vehicle" that the GT likely teases.
Genesis provided few powertrain details for the GT, which had a V-8, but we know it features a mid-engine layout, butterfly doors, and looks shockingly ready for production. If we’re lucky, this concept could be on the road in just a few years.
Genesis X Gran Equator
Why It Matters: Genesis might be a luxury brand, but it understands the current SUV craze isn’t going away anytime soon. That’s why it built the X Gran Equator concept. Designed to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Gran Equator blends an off-road exterior with a highly luxurious interior devoid of big screens.
Genesis says the SUV is "not confirmed for production," yet the CEO José Muñoz revealed in September that the company intends to “create new flagship vehicles.” Muñoz specifically called out the X Gran Equator as an example of where the brand could go in the future.
Hyundai Crater
Why It Matters: When an automaker gets serious about off-road adventure, it requires a lot of work. The Crater concept is Hyundai’s statement that it will start taking its X-Pro line of vehicles more seriously.
The Crater means more capability, greater performance, and the ability to venture farther off the beaten path. And it isn’t just off-road cosplay; this concept is a signal flare for future adventure—and we’re very excited to see exactly where it might take us.
Lexus LFA
Why It Matters: Taking a name as beloved as LFA is a heavy swing of intent. In the 13 years since the LFA debuted to a motoring public that misunderstood it, the haunting song of its V-10 engine and the allure of its laboratory-perfect build quality have launched it into mythic automotive status.
This new LFA concept isn’t that. Instead, this latest version promises an EV follow-up to his hero, based on the same platform as the GR GT. The new LFA concept debuted in December, which means details are still light. But there’s a strong indication that this concept could spawn a production model in the near future.
Mazda Vision X-Coupe
Why It Matters: The Mazda Vision X-Coupe hopefully previews the brand’s future design language and powertrain aspirations. The coupe actually has four doors and a plug-in hybrid setup with an electrified two-rotary engine. It makes 503 horsepower, which is a staggering amount for a typical Mazda.
But as the brand moves upmarket, the Vision X-Coupe could be a preview of what Mazda aims to be over the next few years. It looks very exciting—even if a new rotary-powered sports car seems unlikely.
Mercedes-AMG GT XX
Why It Matters: Two subsets of electric performance cars are emerging right now. The first—think Lucid Air Sapphire or Rimac Nevera—focuses on outright performance and speed. The second—first demonstrated by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—recognizes that sporty cars shouldn’t just be fast, they should be fun.
Thankfully, the AMG GT XX falls in the latter camp. With wild fastback looks, a gaping catfish mouth, and a virtual V-8 all draped in iconic C111 orange, it’s clear AMG’s first EV will pack plenty of the theater Mercedes’ performance arm is known for. With the advent of the four-cylinder C63, we worried AMG had lost its way. With the GT XX, it’s back, baby.
Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic
Why It Matters: Mercedes-Benz finds itself at a crossroads design-wise. The company recently fired its long-time design boss Gorden Wagener, as it plans to revamp its entire lineup with a new look. With that, the Vision Iconic concept represents the future of Mercedes design.
Introduced in October, the sleek, retro coupe introduced us to Benz’s big new grille. That new grille is a tribute to the brand’s former radiator grilles, and it looks good atop the sleek black body of the Vision Iconic. We’re already seeing some of these new cues in production, specifically on the latest GLC. But even more design elements from the Vision Iconic will make their way to the Mercedes lineup in the near future.
Subaru Performance-B STI
Why It Matters: Sure, it may not look all that interesting—it’s essentially just a WRX hatchback fitted with red accents and STI badges. But it’s what the Performance-B STI concept represents that has us excited.
Debuting at the Japan Mobility Show in October, the Subaru Performance-B STI concept previews a production-ready STI model. While Subaru hasn’t outright confirmed plans to bring STI back, the writing is on the wall. Fingers crossed.
