French manufacturer of scale model cars builds enough options to show several dimensions of modern German performance with high precision
A few weeks ago, I published an article about the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL. To be more specific, about the 1:18 Norev diecast model of that car. I have always been a fan of such products, especially diecast cars of urban models. Now, I am starting a new column on the website to share more about them with you.
This time, we will build on that 500 SL by focusing on German performance cars. Norev offers a beautiful selection of those models especially when it comes to modern ones. All of them with the same high level of attention to detail, of course. I am sure that you will end up trying to make more room on your shelves.
German performance cars
Even if you are not an automotive fan, I am sure you have at least heard good things about German cars. To keep it in a few words, they have built such reputation after decades of hard work and commitment to quality. It seems cliché, I know, but reaching their level of overall solidness is definitely not an easy task.
Among the many reasons why everyone loves them is how they invest in sportiness. German performance cars come as dedicated models, like Porsche’s creations, and as sporty versions of urban cars. The latter is what Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen present through their S/RS, M, AMG and GTI/R labels.
This time, we are going to focus on the modern scale model cars; those ones originally released up to ten years ago. I made sure to choose the 1973 Porsche 911 above just to give you a taste of what else I plan to write over time. The table below compiles basic information, and the individual items appear below it.
Table of contents
| Car name | Car year | Buy now! |
|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 | 2017 | Check price |
| BMW M850i | 2018 | Check price |
| Mercedes-AMG GT | 2015 | Check price |
| Mercedes-Benz X-Class | 2018 | Check price |
| Porsche Cayenne Coupé | 2019 | Check price |
2017 BMW M3 1/18 mini toy car
While BMW’s first sports sedan was the M5, the smaller sibling first appeared as a homologation special in coupé form. It quickly became successful enough to spawn a whole family which is now divided among the 3 and 4 Series. The 2017 is the last model before the family got a brand new, impactful front design.
Main features
- Dimensions: Length: 9.5″, Width: 4.5″, Height: 3″ inches”
- You can fully open the model car’s hood, four doors and trunk
- Small parts make it appropriate for ages 14 and older
2018 BMW M850i 1/18 miniature car
After a generation which perfectly embodied the spirit of the 1990s, the 8 Series went back on sale twenty years later. The new car uses aggressive, yet elegant lines and came in several versions this time. Here, we can observe the coupé body style in the M850i trim. It offers pure German performance with unique style.
Main features
- Dimensions: Length: 10.5″, Width: 4.75″, Height: 3″
- Diecast body with plastic trim parts and rubber tires
- Front wheels can turn along with the steering wheel
2015 Mercedes-AMG GT 1/18 scale model car
You know how the Porsche 911 is a reference in terms of European sports cars? Mercedes-Benz wanted to flex its muscles in terms of German performance and made a fitting competitor. The AMG GT first arrived as a coupé, but had enough positive feedback to spawn a roadster and a four-door variation over time.
Main features
- A display kit with LED poles comes with the model car
- The scale model comes in metallic red with matte black wheels
- You can fully open the car’s hood, two doors, and trunk
2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class 1/18 model car
Here, you are going to get German performance in a different way. The X-Class was the maker’s very first pickup truck of mass production, born from a badge-engineering project made Nissan and Renault. While it did not last long in the market, it is still an interesting chapter in the history of the German automaker.
Main features
- Dimensions: Length: 7.87″, Width: 3.94″, Height: 3.94″
- Front wheels can turn along with the steering wheel
- Small parts make it appropriate for ages 14 and older
2019 Porsche Cayenne Coupé 1/18 scale miniature
Twenty years ago, Porsche made history by releasing its very first SUV. The Cayenne had so much success that it spawned several trim levels and even a smaller brother, the Macan. Nowadays, the current iteration has a coupé-shaped version which takes it closer to the other models offered by the German company.
Main features
- Dimensions: Length: 11.81″, Width: 4.72″, Height: 4.72″
- Solid orange body comes with plastic moldings in black
- The mini toy car comes with a Porsche-branded black box
