Some vehicle concepts and designs are so unique that you have to see them to believe them. The year 2026 has given us some of the wildest vehicle designs we've ever seen at USA TODAY Cars.
From vehicles that can leap through the air to off-road multi-purpose vehicles with six wheels, there's an abundance of wacky vehicles for auto enthusiasts to enjoy this year. We ranked five of the craziest vehicle designs based on uniqueness and shock value.
5. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) Popemobile
The Vatican Museum recently opened its Century of the Popemobile exhibit, letting visitors get up close to some of the many iconic Mercedes vehicles different Popes have used for transportation. The M-Class (ML) Popemobile is a twist on the popular G-Class off-road luxury SUV model.
It features a transparent
passenger compartment with an elevated white leather chair. The "Popemobile dome" serves as high-ballistic security for the Pope, gives him an elevated presence, and offers an unobstructed view for crowds to see him as the vehicle passes by.
4. Fiat Topolino
Europe's automobiles tend to be significantly smaller than average American cars. The Fiat Topolino takes it to another level as one of the world's smallest electric vehicles.
Fiat showcased the new Topolino at the Paris Motor Show in October. It's only 99.6 inches long, 56.4 inches wide and 61.2 inches tall. America may never get a Topolino because of its size, but the EV offers plenty of utility for commuters in crowded European cities.
3. Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster made its return after a 14 year hiatus. The newest iteration of the Roadster is much quicker than the original and it's capable of feats we haven't seen accomplished by any other car model.
Tesla's Roadster was able to drive upside down, flip, and soar through the air using compressed-air thrusters that were developed by SpaceX. It's the closest thing to a flying electric car model that many auto enthusiasts have ever witnessed.
The Roadster was unmanned and occupied by a Tesla Optimus Bot, but the stunt was still impressive in terms of vehicle capabilities.
2. Lexus LS Space Concept
Lexus debuted the LS (Luxury Space) concept at Milan Design Week in April. It's a six-wheeled futuristic concept vehicle that's ultra-spacious and focused on Japanese hospitality.
The vehicle's interior is designed to resemble a first-class suite or private lounge area. It focuses on multi-sensory relaxation features like hand-carved cedar seatbacks, ambient fragrances, and individualized seat audio.
1. Xpeng Land Aircraft Carrier
Coming in at number one on our list is easily one of the most futuristic vehicles we've seen this year. The Xpeng Land Aircraft Carrier debuted in North America in January at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Las Vegas.
It's a six-wheeled off-road van with a massive electric flying drone housed in the trunk. The Xpeng Land Aircraft carrier looks like something straight out of a Sci-Fi film. The modular flying car system is priced around $280,000.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From Popemobiles to flying Roadsters: 2026's wildest rides ranked
