The most important car shows in 2026

The most important car shows in 2026 will bookend the automotive year, from a packed Brussels Motor Show in January to a revived Paris Motor Show in autumn. This guide explains what’s confirmed, what’s expected, and how fans can make the most of each event.

Car shows 2026 outlook: The most important car shows in 2026

After years of shifting calendars, 2026 returns strong with a classic European rhythm. Brussels opens the season with a ten-day show at Brussels Expo from 9–18 January 2026, including press day on 9 January and the European Car of the Year ceremony, setting the tone for mainstream launches and fresh electric line-ups. Paris follows on its biennial cycle with the Mondial de l’Auto slated to return in October 2026 at Porte de Versailles, restoring a stage where French and global brands traditionally roll out statement concepts. For classic-car lovers, Rétromobile bridges the gap in late January, celebrating 50 years in 2026 and bringing blue-chip auctions and museum-grade displays to the same Paris venue. Together, these shows create a compact, high-impact circuit that blends production debuts, technology, and heritage.

Brussels is already locked in at Brussels Expo with visitor-friendly city access and large multi-hall layouts; organisers highlight more than 60 car brands alongside motorcycles and mobility exhibitors, with ticketing and program details rolling out as January approaches. Paris, meanwhile, has formally announced its comeback for 2026 after a record 2024 edition drew over half a million visitors, a sign that major urban shows can still command global attention when curated sharply. Classic culture remains a pillar: Rétromobile’s 2026 edition runs 28 January–1 February with Gooding Christie’s sale expected to headline, drawing collectors from across Europe. Expect a year that opens loud, pauses for product cycles, and crescendos again in autumn. Official Brussels Motor Show updates.

Pragmatically, 2026 favors efficient travel planning: pair Brussels with a weekend city break, or combine Rétromobile with a museum tour and an auction preview; later, circle back to Paris in October when production cars meet big-vision concepts. For the industry, the trio spreads news across Q1 and Q4, giving brands room to stage staggered reveals and technology previews before end-of-year sales pushes. For fans, the variety is the appeal—mainstream EVs in Brussels, motorsport and mobility tech in Paris, and curated history at Rétromobile—each with distinct energy and audiences. If you pick just two, make it Brussels for the early-year pulse and Paris for the headline-grabbing finales.

Why these shows matter for enthusiasts and the industry

Brussels is increasingly the launchpad for Europe’s mainstream EVs and updated combustion models because its January slot lands perfectly after holiday silence and before Geneva-era spring news cycles. Press and consumer days overlap tightly, so many premieres hit social feeds while visitors can still see and touch the cars over the same week. The European Car of the Year ceremony on opening day concentrates media power, giving finalists and the winner maximum visibility before deliveries start. Paris brings the spectacle and the scale, with global media attendance and late-year timing that dovetails with strategic model-year shifts.

For classic aficionados, Rétromobile is less about world premieres and more about provenance, restoration craft, and the rare chance to see icons outside museum ropes. Auction previews provide access to concours-level machinery, and makers often showcase heritage programs alongside new continuation or electrified restomod projects. If you’re mapping a long weekend, start with Rétromobile’s halls and add a stop at a brand gallery; if you want to arrive in style, consider pairing your trip with a special drive on the DRIVAR marketplace. More on this: Sports Car Rental in Germany

Tech and debuts: what to expect

Expect a flurry of European-market EVs and updated plug-in hybrids to break cover in Brussels, mixed with performance derivatives designed to keep enthusiasts engaged during the transition; press materials already flag a robust exhibitor list and the return of bike and micro-mobility zones. Paris typically adds the theatre: big-ticket concepts, design direction reveals, and immersive brand experiences that hint at software roadmaps and connected services. Heritage doesn’t sit still either; Rétromobile’s anniversary year promises special themes and star cars tied to landmark anniversaries. Read the organiser’s 2026 comeback note here: Paris Motor Show press hub

If you plan to turn inspiration into seat time, align reveals with hands-on drives through a rental experience. Think of it as extending the show from the hall to the road: sample a current-gen sports car, benchmark a Porsche against a rival, or try an EV on a favorite route to see how the tech feels day to day. That’s where a curated marketplace helps, from transparent insurance to nationwide logistics. Tip: DRIVAR sports car marketplace

Looking for a brand-specific comparison before you go? Explore Porsche hire options

Numbers, Data, Facts

Hire: The most important car shows in 2026

Big shows spark big dreams. If you want to turn the inspiration into a weekend escape or show-adjacent road trip, DRIVAR connects you with verified sports and luxury cars across Europe, with flexible delivery, transparent insurance, and dedicated support before and after your booking.

Booking is straightforward: browse models, compare prices and deposits, and reserve in just a few steps; nationwide logistics mean your chosen car can meet you in the city where the show happens. Safety is baked in through verified providers and clear insurance tiers, and you can always switch between brands to benchmark your next purchase. Compare directly: All sports cars for rent

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FAQ about “The most important car shows in 2026”

2026 car shows

Practical answers for planning tickets, timing, and travel around the headline shows of 2026.

When is the Brussels Motor Show in 2026?

Brussels runs 9–18 January 2026 at Brussels Expo, with press day on 9 January and the European Car of the Year ceremony scheduled for that day.

Is the Paris Motor Show definitely back in 2026?

Yes. Organisers announced a 2026 return after a record 2024 edition; the next show is planned for October 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

What about classic cars—what’s the key event?

Rétromobile is the must-see classic show, celebrating its 50th anniversary from 28 January to 1 February 2026 in Paris, complete with headline auctions and manufacturer heritage stands.

Can I combine a show visit with a special car rental?

Absolutely. Use DRIVAR to book a verified sports car with flexible delivery; it’s a great way to turn a show trip into a memorable driving weekend.

Which show is best for world premieres versus concepts?

Brussels leans toward production debuts and market-ready EVs; Paris adds concept theatrics and brand experiences; Rétromobile focuses on heritage masterpieces and auctions.

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