Yes, You Should Go To The Canadian International AutoShow This Year

on February 15, 2025 at 2:52 pm

When was the last time you attended the AutoShow?

The Canadian International AutoShow seems to have a different energy every year all reflecting on what’s happening in the world of cars, automotive and trends on what customers are looking for.

A few years ago, it wasn’t that exciting in my opinion. It was mainly getting people used to the the idea of standard cars moving to electric versions as their main stage highlights. Now, people have already have become used to the whole electric vehicle world, plug-in hybrids, and so on. So, seems like car brands had to focus on going back to their roots and showcase their automotive craft. This year felt different.

Just like music festivals, you go for the headliners and I feel like this year’s show brings a great line up of headliners. I feel with the show this year, there are more grand gestures of automotive design, engineering and bolder designs and colours than year’s past. Brands came there to stand out this year.

You are seeing less gimmicks, less marketing speak and more effort to make something much cooler than the brand has done before. Like this Nismo Nissan Frontier Tarmac Edition that was made into a slammed performance street truck, something you wouldn’t really expect to be front and centre at Nissan.

You will still hear the standard canned responses from executives touting that this model is “our most X version of this car yet”, whether fastest, most powerful, sleeker, fuel efficient. But, I try to look past those comments on what the automotive field is actually getting excited about.

I had a lot of fun when I went and I wanted to share my favourites from the show. Enjoy.

Here Are My Favourites Coming From This Year’s Canadian International AutoShow

Cadillac’s New Luxury Focus

Cadillac seems to be going back to its roots. We all remember seeing an older Cadillac on the road. Something overflowing with class and opulence in mind. Something that Looked elegant, but intriguing. Cadillac, in my opinion, lost it’s swagger for many years. They blended in with the rest of the automative world and lots it’s edge. There were times were if they swapped their Cadillac badge for another carmakers badge, I really wouldn’t know the difference.

Well, I can’t say that any longer when looking at the styling of the new Cadillac CELESTIQ and SOLLEI Concept. It’s well balanced, sleek, modern but somehow feels familiar. It’s a car, like the early lowriding convertibles, that will turn heads and start being in more conversations during decision making.

It’s a look into the future of luxury, redefined in North America that has been lacking for so long compared to the European brands. It’s very exciting.

Canadian International AutoShow

Now, let’s talk about the powerhouse that is Mercedes-Benz. Their return at this year’s AutoShow was nothing short of electrifying—literally. The unveiling of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology had the crowd buzzing. They displayed it high up on the showroom floor with it seemingly showing it’s luxury off-road prowess, pretty bold of them because it was just diagonal to Jeep’s full off-road track. When walking between the brands, that aerial look of this electric blue G-Wagon in the sky is hard to miss and definitely drew a lot of attention to the car and the brand.

A Touch of Class: Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance took the stage to present a tribute to Mercedes-Benz, showcasing vehicles dating as far back as 1886. It was a beautiful collision of past and present—a nod to history that enriched the modern spectacle with a sense of legacy and enduring passion. This year’s Concours d’Elegance is happening from September 12 – 15, 2025, by the way.

BMW Owning A Full Show Level

BMW really brought out their A-game with their car takeover on Level ‘M’ in the South Building. It had something for everyone. It had performance vehicles, race car, motorcycles, electric cars and more consumer-friendly cars as well with great merch section and the M Café serving coffee. It was a great statement piece that will get a lot of eyes, traffic and interest for anyone going through the South Building.

A Return To Big Luxurious And Fun SUVs

In recent memory, the SUVs main design feature was going to a efficient engine or a different engine hybrid spec. This year, the big two and three row SUVs were out in full force, being a highlighted staple in each brands showroom.

You have the Audi with the Q6, SQ5 and SQ6 e-tron, you have the Infiniti QX80, you have the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia.

You also have different features too, like the 2025 Lincoln Navigator providing a full automotive spa treatment with massage seats, ambient music and even a meditation while you wait for your kids at practice or school to get out.

You had the INEOS Grenadier for more tactical SUVs with an old-school look, which I loved.

One of them I was excited for was the Lexus GX 550. I love the look, the upscaled Land Cruiser look and feel. Match that with the luxurious design, rugged looks but also very well-appointed. It really stood out to me as one of my favourite vehicles of the show and a nice and interesting direction for Lexus.

Not to mention the absolutely spectacular Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge for $694,675 MSRP.

Beautiful Modern And Classic Supercars

Not in the market to purchase a car, but you just want to see some rare and exciting supercars? Well, Grand Touring Automobiles didn’t disappoint. I mean, do they ever disappoint?

They brought everything from gorgeous and bold Lamborghinis to a Pininfarina and Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport to handpick my favourites.

Ferrari of Ontario brought some stunning vehicles from the red and blue coloured Ferrari 296 GTS, to the Ferrari Purosangue, to the Ferrari Roma to name a few.

The papaya was out in full effect with McLaren Toronto showcasing their sleek black McLaren 720S front and centre.

Maserati of Ontario brought the MP4-12C for automotive fans to ogle over.

The Auto Exotica always brings classic car brands and models to stare and almost drool at. My favourite from this year’s show is the bright yellow Ferrari F-50 convertible next to the stunning black Ferrari F-40, all while next to a gorgeous light purple Lamborghini Diablo.

Heading To The 2025 Canadian International AutoShow?

So, where does all this leave us? The 2025 Canadian International AutoShow was more than just a parade of shiny new cars—it was a testament to innovation, heritage, and the ever-evolving spirit of the automotive world.

This year felt like it was more of an ode to the fans instead of the focus being on just car brands. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Canadian International AutoShow goes from February 14 – 23, 2025 and tickets for the CIAS 2025 are available on their website: see ticket pricing now.