But petrolheads and inner children alike can still celebrate the more-than-adequate supply of supercars on display, writes our motoring man in Paris, Tim Barnes-Clay.
Here are three highlights.
Alpine A310 Vision (PS1)
Alpine has had a slow start to modern-day production, with the A110 as its only model for a long time.
But it recently launched the A390 SUV coupe and now also has the performance version of the Renault 5 in its fleet, the A290.
The all-electric brand, though, is really pushing the boat out with its latest unveiling: the A310 Vision.
Part retro, part futuristic, if the entire 1970s decade could jump forward a century, this might be the result.
It’s, of course, based on the A310 four-seater sports car from 1971, and at least from the front, the resemblance is clear, even if this new version can carry only half as many occupants.
It has triangular shapes carved into its aerodynamic alloys and a rear end that looks more like one of those unbranded Matchbox-style toy cars with extreme features, massive spoilers, and other flashy effects.
It’s made from a carbon composite and draws on technical knowledge from its Formula One team. Still, no performance figures are available because, sadly, it's only a concept car for now.
Alpine is using the A310, known until its public unveiling as the Projet Spécial 1 (PS1), as a testbed to show how flexible its new Alpine Performance Platform is.
Alpine will use the underpinnings for the next-generation A110, but this unveiling means more than that.
Alpine is also using the A310 Vision to launch its new ‘Special Projects’ department, which aims to build some of the most exclusive, high-end vehicles in the world.
Denza Z Coupe
If Denza is unfamiliar to you, it's another Chinese brand, but an offshoot of one you've probably heard of: BYD.
Denza is BYD’s performance marque.
Think AMG to Mercedes, or Cupra to Seat; in performance terms, Denza is BYD's powerhouse.
But it's aiming far beyond what Cupra has done, and, scarily, higher than AMG, if the figures are to be believed.
While the F1-based AMG One produced a mouthwatering 1,063PS, the newly launched Denza Z Coupe outputs a frankly stupefying 1,603PS.
0-62mph? Just 2.25 seconds.
And yet if you think that's impressive, there's also going to be a track-day version called the Racing, which will cut the time to a barely believable 1.96 seconds.
Aside from a ridiculously large rear wing on the Racing version, the Denza Z has no outrageous bodywork; it looks as credible as any ‘normal’ supercar you can imagine.
It has a distinctly traditional wedge shape, a front end clearly inspired by a McLaren Artura, and a rear end with lights stereotypical of loud, sporty cars from Far Eastern manufacturers.
The Z Coupe features active hydraulic suspension that adjusts automatically for ride comfort and handling, plus a delightfully appropriate interior.
While EVs are still in the minority among supercars, they're increasing in number, so the Z Coupe is one to watch for both Denza’s newcomer status and its success as a zero-emissions supercar.
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
With the possible exception of the AMG One, Mercedes gets little closer to supercar territory than its AMG GT.
However, the four-door coupe version is now an EV, and it’s making its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show.
This new version is built on the dedicated AMG.EA (AMG Electrical Architecture) platform. It features three 'axial flux' electric motors, with its 63 4MATIC+ flagship model delivering 1,185PS and a remarkable 0-62mph time of just 2.1 seconds.
Compared with the outgoing petrol-powered version, the new EV looks markedly different, with an angry-faced front end and an ultra-wide, open-mouthed lower grille.
The rear, though, is striking, marking a major shift away from the Mercedes style we've grown used to.
It features a dominating all-black panel with six individual turbine-style circular taillights, three per side, echoing the Mercedes ‘star’ logos shining in the middle of each one.
It looks incredible, even if it may be an acquired taste, though the lovely cocooning cabin will likely win over the toughest of sceptics.
Like the Alpine A310 Vision, Formula One inspiration also appears here, with some battery technology derived from its racing programme, an 800V architecture and a usable capacity of 106kWh, translating to a range of up to 432 miles.
DC charging rates will also push the boundaries into industry-leading territory at 600kW, adding 286 miles of range in just 10 minutes.