The electric Alpine A110, DS N°7, the facelifted Peugeot 408 and the Renault Clio 6 will be the highlights of 2026. But let’s not forget the next-generation Renault Twingo nor the Peugeot E-208 GTI that will reach dealerships. For French carmakers, 2026 promises to be an excellent year!
Alpine: the berlinetta turns electric and the city car becomes a 4×4
In 2026, the Alpine A110 berlinetta will switch to fully electric power.
If the A290 — essentially a Renault 5 E-Tech in different clothes — was the first Alpine to embrace electrification, followed by the A390 coupe-SUV, the electrification of the brand’s flagship, the A110, will be, if not hugely anticipated, certainly closely watched. It’s a bold gamble at this level of the market: within the Volkswagen Group the future Audi TT and Porsche Boxster will share a common basis and will also combine coupe and convertible bodies in the form of an elegant Targa hinted at by the Concept C unveiled at the Munich show. The future Alpine A110 coupe will be offered as a convertible in 2027. The electric Alpine A110 will sit on the APP technical platform, a specific architecture housing the batteries vertically in a central position just behind the driver and passenger. This layout is intended to ensure the lowest possible center of gravity and preserve agility. Naturally, the question of weight remains.
With the arrival of the Peugeot E-208 GTI detailed further down, Alpine might be tempted to present at the end of 2026, in the form of a prototype or showcar, a sharper version of the A290 — to match the 280 hp of the lion brand’s model. For reference, the quickest A290 currently delivers 220 hp. The A290 could gain power by adding an electric motor on the rear axle — an architecture announced by the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 concept car based on the AmpR Small technical platform.
Citroën: the family SUV completes its range
The second-generation Citroën C5 Aircross.
Shown as a near-series showcar at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2024, the second-generation Citroën C5 Aircross is only just arriving in the chevron brand’s dealerships this autumn. In 2026, the family SUV, built on the STLA Medium technical base shared with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 and the Opel Grandland, will roll out versions around mild-hybrid petrol units producing 145 hp and a fully electric variant (210 hp), not forgetting in the meantime a plug-in hybrid option (totaling 195 hp) aimed at corporate clients. The chevroned SUV has never covered so many bases. Ultimately it only lacks a 7-seat variant, which is not planned.
DS: the bestseller renewed
DS N°7 will replace the current DS 7 in the autumn; the DS 7 was launched in 2017 and restyled in 2022.
With its new flagship, the French premium marque introduced a fresh style and an even more upscale name. The word “Number,” followed by the digit 8 for the top-of-the-range, was then applied to the compact sedan in its facelift, dropping the DS 4 name to logically become the DS N°4. In 2026, the second generation of the DS 7 will be called DS N°7. The family SUV will inherit the STLA Medium chassis from the Peugeot 3008, 5008, Opel Grandland and Citroën C5 Aircross mentioned earlier. This technical base will allow it to be offered with both combustion and electric powertrains while keeping the same body. Inside, the cabin and notably the distinctive steering wheel from the DS N°8 will be shared with the DS N°7. The 130 hp diesel engine that still powers the current DS 7 will not be carried over. However, that unit will return to the DS N°4, which lacked it at launch, having initially focused on electrification.
Peugeot: an electric hot-hatch and two facelifts
The facelifted Peugeot 408 will be unveiled in the autumn of 2026.
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the lion brand presented the heir to the 205 GTI. As times have changed, the hot little car has gone fully electric, offering 280 hp by adopting the powertrain used in the Abarth 600, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, Lancia Ypsilon HF and Opel Mokka GSE. The Le Mans promise will become reality in Peugeot’s 2026 lineup. One step up, the facelifted Peugeot 308 compact sedan will enjoy its first full year on sale and will share its new two-tier front lighting design with its larger sibling, the facelifted Peugeot 408.
Renault: two much-anticipated stars
With a front end reminiscent of a Mitsubishi, the Renault Clio 6 breaks the mould.
The star of the Munich mobility show, the Renault Clio 6 will arrive in dealerships in spring 2026. The versatile city hatch will benefit from the novelty effect against the ageing but not yet obsolete Peugeot 208. Below it, the fourth-generation Renault Twingo will be unveiled. Switching to electric, it will draw on the spirit of the very first model launched in 1993, with a charismatic frog-like face. The Renault Twingo Legend concept revealed in autumn 2023 has already helped get the message across, preparing customers for this promised affordable entry-level model, which should be offered under €20,000.
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