The Coolest Concept Cars Of 2023… So Far

Concept cars provide a glimpse into the future of automobility, and this year has already been a banger. We've seen hypercars, everyday EVs, and design studies. Sometimes, these cars inform the designs of tomorrow. Other times, they exist simply to see what is possible. And in the case of one particular concept (from a Bavarian automaker based in Munich), the concept exists to encourage the wealthy to spend fortunes on limited-production specials. Let's check out what we're working with.

Right at the top of our list is the Porsche Mission X, which was revealed as a concept but is practically destined for production. The all-electric hypercar has the same power-to-weight ratio as the Koenigsegg One:1, more downforce than the 911 GT3 RS, and twice the charging capacity of the Taycan Turbo S - all in a footprint similar to that of the 918 Spyder. Not only does this have the aim of being the fastest road-legal car around the Nurburgring's Nordschleife, but it wants to look good doing it, and the carbon fiber bodywork seen on the concept suggests that when the hypercar eventually does reach production, one-half of the goal will have already been achieved. We expect big things here, and Porsche rarely disappoints.

When it comes to concept cars, most of them are electric. That is true of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven too, but while the technology is forward-thinking, the styling pays tribute to the past, and it does so beautifully. Gullwing doors, a futuristic dash, and virtual reality sound like the sorts of things that won't make their way to everyday cars, but the retro concept also boasts next-gen axial-flux motors that could give Merc an edge in the EV age. But we're getting sidetracked - the Vision One-Eleven is cool because it looks a lot like the groundbreaking C 111 concept of the Seventies, although even at the height of disco, it didn't come with the modern concept's bright silver interior.

Not every concept out there is electric, nor is every concept so wacky that you can't imagine it going into production as is. The BMW Concept Touring Coupe is one of these, a shooting brake built on the bones of the Z4 Roadster.

Unfortunately, neither of those qualities guarantees that it will ever be anything more than a design exercise, but on the plus side, BMW has indicated that it might be willing to make the hardtop Z4 as part of a limited series. Regardless, simply because it's a shooting brake - not to mention a good-looking Bimmer, for a change - the Concept Touring Coupe is one of the coolest cars of the year.

You thought we only cared about fast cars, didn't you? But even everyday hatchbacks running on electricity can qualify as cool cars, and the Volkswagen ID. 2all Concept is a triumph. It looks far more attractive than any other vee-dub revealed in the last five years, if not longer. But its looks are not all that drew us to it. VW says that it will make the car as cheap as possible, and it will do that while bringing back physical controls. At the same time, the concept shows retro dash designs, a neat little allowance made in the name of fun. Cool cheap cars are what VW was always good at, and this seems to be a return to form, especially since a hot hatch based on the ID. 2all is inevitable.

The last entrant on our list of the coolest concepts seen in 2023 to date is the Triumph TR25. Despite being based on the BMW i3 supermini, the TR2 manages to exhilarate with speedster styling, 21-inch four-spoke wheels, and scissor doors. It produces 181 hp and 199 lb-ft, which goes to the rear wheels, enough for 0-60 in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. Not exactly brain-melting figures, but that was never Triumph's goal in its heyday anyway. What makes this cool to us is that it revives a legendary name in British auto manufacturing, and if its owner (BMW Group) decides the brand should reenter the market - and does so while adhering to the company's original principles of lightweight fun at a low price - Triumph may yet flourish again, and we could see the resurrection of the affordable sports car. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

CarBuzz has covered several concepts this year, and those we haven't mentioned above include the Alpine A290_ß electric hot hatch, the Audi activesphere Concept, Porsche's Vision 357 Coupe and Speedster concepts, and the color-changing BMW i Vision Dee, which reveals many developments for future BMW models, including the next 3 Series. Genesis also presented the GV80 Coupe concept, and it's one of the prettiest fastback SUVs so far. Finally, a design intern at Mazda presented the DX-Vision as her take on the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.

We can't wait to see what the second half of 2023 has in store.