Press days are over for the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, and as the doors get ready to open to the general public, we polled our staff to find out what can't be missed.
Related: More 2017 L.A. Auto Show Coverage
Personally, my pick would've been the dogs used to show off the new 2019 Subaru Ascent. Unfortunately, it looks like they were just there for the reveal and have since left the show. If you're in the market for a three-row crossover, you should still check out the Ascent — and if you like dogs, head over to Subaru's display just in case of an encore appearance.
Here are our staff picks:
1. Nissan's 'Star Wars' ... Well, Everything
Nissan continues its tie-in with the movie franchise with a fleet of "Star Wars"-themed vehicles, not to mention scale models and props from the movies. L.A. Bureau Chief Brian Wong loved the display, particularly the X-Wings hanging from the ceiling, but Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman was less kind, stating, "Don't miss the 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'-branded Nissans, if only to see a great example of when movie branding tie-ins go way, way too far." Multimedia Coordinator Leslie Cunningham found the fun with Nissan: "If all the walking at the auto show is not enough for you, you can get your exercise (and laughs) as a stormtrooper at Nissan's interactive booth."
2. Teslas! At an Auto Show!
Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief Fred Meier recommends checking out the rarity of a Tesla display: "The continuous crowd all day getting photos (and, in one case I saw, a selfie) of and with a Tesla Model 3 in the flesh. Tesla makes a rare appearance at a legacy auto event with the X, S and 3."
3. Easter Egg Hunting With Volvo
"You can't miss all the Easter eggs in the new Volvo XC40 — from a Swedish flag that pops out from the hood in some versions to the in-car trash can, bag hook in the glove compartment and grocery hooks tucked into the movable cargo floor. Nice to see a luxury sport utility vehicle emphasize, you know, utility." That's the word from Senior Consumer Affairs Editor Kelsey Mays.
4. Crazy Trucks, Fun Activities
PickupTrucks.com Editor Mark Williams has truck enthusiasts covered with his suggestions.
"You have to see the GMC 2500 heavy-duty All Mountain snow monster," Williams implored. "Sure, each wheel has about $10,000 worth of mechanical genius, but we're talking unlimited traction here no matter what time of year. Awesome. And don't forget to get outside to see the [Mercedes-Benz] G-Wagen steel mountain-climbing exhibition. Bonus: You'll see a pretty cool Unimog, as well."
5. Test Your Scooter Skills
"Stop by the outdoor breezeway on the way from the West Hall to the South Hall and try out a new, electrified way of getting around," Melissa Klauda, assistant managing editor, video, said of a fun outdoor slalom course she deems definitely worth your time.
Those are our suggestions for what you can't miss at this year's L.A. Auto Show. Since these things aren't all cars, I'm contractually obligated to recommend checking out vehicle debuts we've covered at this year's show, too. It might even help you find your next car.
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