IAA 2025: Readers complain about SUV craze and expensive electric cars

The IAA 2025 is primarily a source of criticism among our readers. Huge SUVs, garish designs, and expensive electric cars dominate the comments on the article "From Renault, BAW, and VW to Nio and Skoda: The Highlights and Flop of the IAA." Many see this as a false signal from the industry. Others miss practical innovations. Discussions about the influence of Chinese manufacturers and the role of politics are fueling the discontent. Conclusion: The show is not living up to expectations.

Many readers perceive current car design as cluttered, impractical, and environmentally damaging. SUVs and Chinese models are particularly criticized. Behind this lies a broader debate: The industry is relying on eye-catching designs to secure market share. At the same time, political pressure is growing to make vehicles more climate-friendly and compatible with urban environments. The tension between design, the environment, and regulation is clearly evident here.

"Since you don't change your car every year (at least I don't), I think a car should have a rather timeless design. What I see here doesn't count as such." Original comment

"Is this actually a car exhibition or an exhibition of degenerate design? What we call design today would have been called a caricature of a car 15 years ago. Because if you let kindergarten children draw a car, it usually looks exactly as disproportionate." Original comment

"Big, heavy, unsuitable as a towing vehicle, with unnecessarily high horsepower, ugly, expensive. Extremely high tire wear, i.e., particulate matter. A disaster in parking garages. When these things were still powered by gasoline or diesel, they were monsters; now they're no better." Original comment

The high prices of electric cars are causing frustration. Some readers believe purchasing power in Germany is too low, while other markets offer significantly cheaper models. Politically relevant: The EU is massively promoting e-mobility, but high costs could undermine acceptance. Manufacturers and politicians are under pressure to develop models that are affordable for average earners – otherwise, the transport transition risks stalling.

"Wasn't it once said that electric cars are much cheaper than conventional ones? The ID Cross may look nice. But a people's car shouldn't exceed a total price of €15,000. Why are prices from European manufacturers in other countries half the retail price of a car in Europe?" Original comment

"They probably haven't realized yet that hardly anyone here can afford a car anymore? Well, that's coming." Original comment

"A Polo for €30,000, and if you want the same features as the Korean, it'll certainly cost €38,000. So, a real Volkswagen." Original comment

Many readers consider trade fair reports to be too focused on appearance. They demand value-for-money analyses rather than pure design judgments. This demonstrates a general distrust of evaluations that ignore technical and economic factors.

"The top and flops are judged only by their looks? Surely the most important thing is the features and price. What am I supposed to do with a great-looking car for a bargain price of 50,000+ euros?" Original comment

"Except for VW, I find German electric cars more attractive." Original comment

Readers are observing the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers with a sober eye. Some expect rapid adaptation to German preferences, while others see no threat to German brands. The background: China has long been a leading market for e-mobility and is investing heavily in Europe. For German policymakers and industry, this means countering this with fair competition and innovations – otherwise, the country will continue to lose importance.

"'The IAA could also be called 'Peking Auto Show, German Division.' Sounds funny, but it's very close to the truth." To the original comment

Many comments combine criticism of the auto industry with distrust of politics. Readers see the industry as caught between EU regulations and customer demands. Politically decisive: The EU is prescribing phase-out dates for combustion engines, while national governments are promoting e-mobility. If manufacturers fail to meet market demand, job losses and prosperity are threatened. The question of whether industry and politics are sufficiently considering the customer side is at the center of the debate.

"I suspect that production and distribution are completely out of touch with the market and customers. The will of politicians, especially the EU, is simply being heeded. But that doesn't bring in any money for wages and labor." Original comment

"Considering that our automotive industry is going down the drain, they're all in a great mood." Original comment

Readers identify opportunities and risks associated with autonomous driving. Better mobility for older people or in rural areas is viewed positively; the threat of total surveillance is viewed critically. Politically, the issue is controversial – the EU and German government are funding pilot projects, while at the same time, there are stringent requirements for data protection and security. How quickly autonomous systems become part of everyday life will depend not only on technology but also on public trust.

"'If the future of the car looks like this autonomous robobus, then we'd better choose walking.' If the future of public transport in rural areas is this device, it would be a blessing for many, especially older people. Or should they crawl in and out of a McLaren on their knees?" To the original comment

"'Autonomous bus at the IAA 2025 - Many may welcome the robot car and find it a great relief, but it also transforms mobility from individual to totally monitored.' Sorry, but for my taste, public transport is currently monitored not too much, but too little." To the original comment

In ironic and critical comments, readers express skepticism about genuine innovations. They criticize impractical interiors, cluttered grilles, and technological overload.

"Jumping on the spot and turning around on their own axis, many cars can already do that, but which manufacturer has finally (!) invented the automatic turn signal as a novelty? That would really be a welcome innovation, because for many drivers, one might think that the turn signal is an optional extra that was not included when purchasing the car." To the original comment

Join the discussion: What criteria are most important to you when choosing a new car – design, price, technology, origin, or something completely different?