The L.A. Auto Show is the final auto show of 2017, so we expected the automakers to go out with a bang.
Unfortunately, there were no huge surprises or drop-dead amazing reveals at the show, but there were still a handful of very important new cars that were revealed.
Here are our picks for the top five best and most significant debuts of the 2017 L.A. Auto Show:
5. 2019 Infiniti QX50
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
This luxury crossover debuted with an all-new look and a high-tech variable compression engine. Infiniti says it will make 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and will be paired with a CVT automatic transmission. This might be one of the most stylish crossovers in its class and now with its new powertrain, it might be one of the most high-tech as well. We’re pretty pleased that it looks just like the concept car version, too.
ALSO SEE: 2019 Infiniti QX50 Arrives With Mature Looks, Variable Compression Engine
4. 2018 BMW i8 Roadster and 2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible (tie)
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
These two convertible supercars are tied for fourth place: they’re both orange droptops! The BMW i8 Roadster is cool because it manages to maintain the butterfly doors even with the retractable top, which is a rarity. The Corvette ZR1 Convertible, on the other hand, is cool because of its incredible specs: a 755-horsepower V8, a zero-to-60 time of under three seconds, and a $123,995 price tag.
ALSO SEE: BMW i8 Roadster and New i8 Coupe Debut
3. 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
The all-new third-generation Mercedes CLS debuted with a radically different (and somewhat divisive) design and a high-tech new powertrain. The “four-door coupe” signals the revival of the inline six for the German automaker and that new engine is augmented by a new system called EQBoost, a 48-volt electric starter/generator that is able to provide extra boost when stronger acceleration is called for.
ALSO SEE: 2019 Mercedes CLS Debuts with High-Tech New Powertrain
2. 2019 Subaru Ascent
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
This is the biggest Subaru ever produced and this new three-row SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine that makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It will be linked to a CVT automatic transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This is a pretty significant model for the Japanese brand and should help boost its sales in North America.
ALSO SEE: The 2019 Subaru Ascent is Made for Americans and Their American Stuff
1. 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Although photos of the all-new Jeep Wrangler were released before the show and there were numerous leaks of specs and features, the SUV still managed to be the best debut of the 2017 L.A. Auto Show. As the most highly anticipated new vehicle of the year, the Wrangler has been completely updated and modernized without compromising its legendary off-road capability or iconic looks. Jeep also announced that a plug-in hybrid is coming in the near future as well.
ALSO SEE: New 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Debuts With 3 Engine Options, Upscale Cabin
