Mercedes-Benz V-Class (2024) Price & Specs

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its revised V-Class first-class MPV in South Africa. The V300d Exclusive, available as a 6-, 7- or 8-seater, incorporates the model’s latest aesthetic updates, numerous luxurious appointments and a host of safety tech.

With a 3-pointed star perched on its bonnet, a sizeable 5-slat grille framed by an LED light band (and flanked by adaptive Multibeam LED headlamps), chrome-accented side skirts that complement the finishes of the side-window sill, roof rails and 19-inch light Monobloc alloy wheels, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d Exclusive is undoubtedly the most posh-looking new MPV in the South African market.

The German luxobus’ rear end even features LED taillamps, a chrome accent and AMG tailgate spoiler!

To complement the newcomer’s imposing appearance, the V300d Exclusive boasts an “impeccably crafted interior, where every detail exudes pure luxury and comfort”, Mercedes-Benz SA says.

At the front of the cabin, the elegantly designed fascia (which is optionally available with open-pore, wood-look trim) is lashed with metallic accents, bookended by ornate circular air vents and dominated by a widescreen panel (a combined 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12-inch touchscreen). Buyers can choose between black (standard), Tartufo (brown) or light beige Nappa leather cabin trim.

Standard features abound: they include keyless start wireless smartphone charging, heating and cooled electrically adjustable front seats (with tray tables at the back), auto climate control and semi-auto aircon at the rear, a Burmester audio system, panoramic sliding roof, an ambient LED lighting system featuring 64 colours, as well as rear seat climate control (if you specify individual seats in the 1st and 2nd row).

Speaking of the seating configuration, the V300d Exclusive can be configured in several ways to suit a variety of requirements. As standard, it’s a 7-seater, with 2 seats in the 2nd row, which can be turned around to create a lounge-style experience, with a fold-out table, plus a 3-seater bench at the back.

What’s more, Mercedes-Benz says the 3-seater bench’s backrest can be fully reclined from an upright position to create a “comfort bunk” for napping or sleeping. In conjunction with a separate, black fabric bed extension, the bench can be used to create a comfy, level area of about 1.35m wide and 2m long.

If buyers want the V300d Exclusive to be a 6-seater, they can specify 2 individual seats in the 2nd- and 3rd rows. The individual seats have armrests, height-adjustable head restraints and backrests that can be individually adjusted, feature integrated 3-point seat belts and offer under-seat stowing capability.

The 2nd-row seats can also be upgraded to first-class-style luxury seats (at R95 805 apiece, according to Benz’s October 2024 price list). These seats are opulent – they’re electrically adjustable, offer seat climatisation and massage functions, plus feature ambient lighting and built-in stowage compartments.

If you require maximum people-carrying capacity, however, buyers can also opt to order a 3-seat bench for the 2nd row (with a foldable outer seat) to create an 8-seater (it seats the driver and 7 passengers).

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class comes equipped with an extensive list of safety and assistance systems, including Highbeam Assist, Headlamp Assist with rain sensor, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, plus Attention-, Blind Spot- and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

The parking package, featuring a 360-degree camera, simplifies parking with 3D visualisations and includes Active Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a handy trailer manoeuvring assistant.

As before, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 174 kW/500 Nm, in combination with a 9-speed automatic transmission. An Agility Control suspension system is standard, the sliding doors are electrically operated (on both sides of the vehicle), the luggage capacity ranges from 610 to 5 010 litres, and the model has a GVM of 3 200 kg.

The new V-Class is available in a choice of 7 paint finishes: High-tech Silver Metallic (standard), Kalahari Gold Metallic (new), Sodalite Blue Metallic (new), Hyacinth Red Metallic, Rock Crystal White Metallic, Dark Graphite Grey Metallic, and Obsidian Black Metallic.

What does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class cost in SA?

Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive

R2 254 000

The asking price includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, while a PremiumDrive (maintenance) plan is optionally available for 5, 6, and 7 years, covering distances from 100 000 to 140 000 km. The minimum 5-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive Plan costs R48 530 (based on the model’s October 2024 price list).

Find a new/used Mercedes-Benz V-Class listed for sale on Cars.co.za

New Mitsubishi Triton to roll out in SA over ‘3 phases’

The new Mitsubishi Triton is set to hit SA towards the middle of November 2024, with the Japanese firm’s local division saying the bakkie will be launched in “3 phases”…

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa says the new Triton will be rolled out locally in 3 phases, with the first scheduled to commence in November 2024.

“We’re quite excited about the launch of new Triton. It’s been launched in many other markets globally – in Australia, Southeast Asia as well – and it’s done exceptionally well in [those] markets,” Thato Magasa, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors SA, told Cars.co.za at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

Interestingly, Magasa confirmed to us that the 6th-generation Triton range – which wears the L200 nameplate in some countries – will be rolled out locally in 3 phases.

“We are looking to launch different engines over time, which will be a ‘phased’ approach, though I don’t want give too much away,” he said.

At this stage, the outputs of the initial variants to be launched locally are unclear. For the record, though, the Triton’s “newly developed” 2.4-litre turbodiesel (4N16) engine is offered overseas in a trio of tunes. The high-output 150 kW/470 Nm version features twin turbochargers, while a 135 kW/430 Nm configuration and a 110 kW/330 Nm tune are also available, each using a single turbo.

Mitsubishi Motors SA appears to have high hopes for the new Triton, which it had on display at SA Auto Week 2024. In fact, Magasa told us he sees the brand’s growth coming from the bakkie market – which is dominated by locally built models in the form of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max – despite this segment’s “cut-throat” nature.

“If you look at the bakkie market in South Africa, it’s cut-throat. It’s one part of the market where it’s very difficult to enter and to penetrate. A lot of the brands that have done well – barring Ford – in the local market are Japanese brands.

“There’s a pedigree of durability and reliability that most of these brands have – and it’s something [of which] we boast an abundance. We’re quite confident that our bakkie can actually walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

“If you look at where we’re seeing our growth coming from in the future, it’s definitely in the bakkie market. We probably want to see our bakkies – in the end, once the full portfolio has launched, because we want to launch in 3 phases, with this being the first phase – at about 40% of our product mix,” Magasa said.

Revealed in July 2023, the new Triton has been “completely reimagined”, according to the Japanese automaker, from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame and powertrain. The fresh-faced model features what Mitsubishi describes as a “beefed-up body size” compared to its forebear and is built on a “newly developed” ladder-frame platform.

The new bakkie measures 5 320 mm (+15 mm) long and 1 865 mm (+50 mm) wide, while the wheelbase has been stretched 130 mm to 3 130 mm. The braked towing capacity of top-spec models is rated at 3 500 kg, representing a 400 kg increase.

The load-bay length is 35 mm up on that of the preceding model (at 1 555 mm), while the load-bed height has been lowered by 45 mm to 820 mm, with the upper surface area of the bumper corner enlarged and reinforced, allowing it to be used as a step.

The outgoing Triton has been somewhat under-appreciated by South African bakkie buyers of late, with just 393 units sold locally over the opening 9 months of 2024 (some potential buyers may have been waiting for the new model, of course). In 2023, the Japanese bakkie attracted 729 sales (a year-on-year increase of 8.3%), seeing it rank just outside of the top 10.

Nissan SA boss hints at hybrid power for next-gen Navara

The head of Nissan South Africa says he thinks it would be “quite easy” to convince local bakkie buyers of the benefits of a next-gen Navara with a hybrid powertrain…

The man at the helm of Nissan South Africa says he believes it would be “quite easy” to convince local bakkie buyers of the benefits of a next-gen Navara with a hybrid powertrain.

Maciej Klenkiewicz, Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa Managing Director made the comments to Cars.co.za during an interview at the South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

When asked whether Nissan was indeed working on electrifying the next-generation Navara, Klenkiewicz was initially somewhat cagey.

“You’ll see the news. Everyone is working on electrification for the future. Is it going to be a hybrid solution or full EV [electric vehicle]? It depends on the brands. We have our proposals and it’s coming,” he said.

But when quizzed further on whether the typical South African bakkie buyer would be interested in an electrified pick-up of some sort, Klenkiewicz was a bit more forthcoming.

“I think it’s going to be quite easy to convince customers about the advantages that solution will bring, especially when the load-shedding issue disappears and the price of electricity becomes stable – it’s the perfect solution. If you need to drive 20 km or 50 km, definitely a … hybrid solution would be much better.

“And, if you need more power or if you need, for example, longer [range], you will be equipped with the normal ICE [powertrain]. So, I think we will not go, within that segment, straight to the EV solution – sometimes that happens with passenger cars – but there will be a step forward with the hybrid solution,” Klenkiewicz said, seemingly referring to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.

The next-generation Navara – which is expected to share much with the new Mitsubishi Triton under the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – seems likely to be unveiled at some point in 2025, though Nissan has yet to confirm a reveal date.

While official information on this new model is decidedly thin on the ground, the Japanese automaker did suggest in March 2024 that its “next-gen 1-tonne pickup” would be available in both plug-in hybrid and fully electric forms – seemingly in addition to a conventional turbodiesel powertrain.

Though Alliance partner Mitsubishi has yet to confirm a plug-in hybrid option for the new Triton – which is expected to launch in Mzansi at some point in November 2024 – it’s thought to be in the brand’s planning. And it’s likely this powertrain that the Navara range will eventually inherit, too.

As a reminder, the local bakkie market already includes a 48V mild-hybrid option offered in the Toyota Hilux range as well as a parallel-hybrid GWM P-Series P500 HEV, while the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark is set to launch in South Africa early in 2025. Ford, meanwhile, will soon start building the new Ranger PHEV at Silverton for export, though this derivative has technically yet to be confirmed for Mzansi.

4×4 Test! New Tank 500 vs New Toyota Prado | Comprehensive offroad comparison

Jacob Moshokoa takes the new Tank 500 and new Toyota Prado offroad for a comprehensive 4×4 test. He also takes a look at the cabins and features of these two family SUVs.

GWM has experienced remarkable success in South Africa and the Chinese giant has now made a bold move and launched its most expensive model yet, the Tank 500, a large luxurious 4×4 aimed squarely at the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Everest.

In this video, we consulted and drafted in a highly experienced 4×4 specialist to help us compare the cars on an offroad 4×4 course designed to thoroughly test these sorts of vehicles.

So this was our idea in a nutshell…two premium 4x4s, similarly priced, head to head, offroad! One key difference however is that while the Prado uses the tried and tested 2.8-litre diesel motor from the Hilux, the Tank features a thoroughly modern 2.0-litre turbo petrol hybrid drivetrain.

We also take a thorough look at the interiors of both vehicles and on-road comfort and fuel consumption.

How do these two cars stack up? Use our Comparison Tool

Want to purchase a new or used Toyota Prado?

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Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV (2024) Price & Specs

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV has finally reached South Africa, arriving as the Affalterbach-based performance division’s first electric SUV. Here’s what it costs…

Revealed back in October 2022, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV has finally made local landfall, arriving in South Africa as the Affalterbach-based performance division’s first fully electric SUV.

Slotting in above the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 – which costs R2 185 050 in standard form and R2 304 080 in AMG Line guise – the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV is priced from R3 038 512 (big thanks to the ever-helpful folks over at duoporta.com for the heads-up on this derivative’s quiet arrival).

The 53-badged EQE SUV is effectively the 3rd all-electric Mercedes-AMG model in the local market after the EQE 43 Sedan (R2 271 451) and EQS 53 Sedan (R3 424 901). So, what do you get for the significant outlay?

Well, featuring 4Matic+ courtesy of an electric motor on each axle, the EQE 53 SUV generates peak outputs of 460 kW and 955 Nm. Should you select the AMG Dynamic Plus package (for an additional R79 217, that is), those figures rise to 505 kW and 1 000 Nm.

Such equipped, Mercedes-Benz claims the EQE 53 SUV will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 3.5 seconds, with maximum speed pegged at 240 kph (these figures come in at 3.7 seconds and 220 kph, respectively, should you opt against the AMG Dynamic Plus option). Thanks to a 90.6 kWh (usable capacity) battery pack, the claimed range tops out at 454 km.

AMG-specific features include a special roll-stabilisation system, suspension tune, braking system (plus a ceramic composite option for R80 000) and sound animation. From the outside, you’ll notice the black panel grille (with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome), the AMG emblem on the bonnet and the front apron painted in body colour.

Inside the EQE 53 SUV, you’ll find a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel (in Nappa leather), silver-coloured aluminium paddles, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and door-sill panels featuring the brand’s lettering.

In Mzansi, the newcomer is available with a choice of 4 equipment packages: Advanced (standard), Advanced Plus (R19 652), Premium (R60 609) or Premium Plus (R98 174). The AMG Night Package is also on offer for an extra R18 870.

While 21-inch alloys ship standard, Mercedes-AMG furthermore offers 22-inch items (R40 609), along with individual options such as a heated windscreen (R10 435), climatised front seats (R 13 826), heated rear seats (R6 522), additional steering-wheel designs (up to R15 652), a head-up display (R19 652), a Burmester surround-sound system (R12 870) and red-painted brake callipers (R13 478).

How much does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV cost?

Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ SUV – R3 038 512

The price above includes the brand’s 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which Mercedes-Benz SA says the buyer “shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase” of the vehicle.

GWM SA says local production is ‘on the cards’

GWM South Africa’s sales director says the Chinese firm is “thinking” about setting up a local production facility, adding such a move is “on the cards” but still in its infancy…

Is GWM South Africa – which has had a presence in the local market for more than 17 years – thinking about setting up a production facility right here in Mzansi? Based on comments from the Chinese firm’s local sales director, the company certainly seems to be strongly considering it.

During Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town, we asked Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM South Africa, whether the brand’s long-term strategy included any plans to manufacture vehicles in South Africa.

“That’s a tricky question, because I might let something out that we’re busy [with] – it’s definitely something on the cards,” he told us.

Then, making reference to discussions that took place at SA Auto Week 2024 between automakers on the topic of increasing local production of new-energy vehicles in particular, Els added: “It is a plan, I think, for any of us to invest into the country”.

*It’s not yet clear which vehicles GWM might want to build in SA.*

“At this stage, it’s still very ‘infant’ – we’re in ‘thinking’ stage; I won’t say even ‘planning’ stage at this moment. So, it’s definitely a consideration for us as a brand, in order for us to invest as well as to … create a difference between us and the other OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] as well as Chinese importers,” he explained.

This isn’t the first time a GWM SA executive has suggested to Cars.co.za that local production is a possibility. Late in 2022, for instance, GWM SA’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) Conrad Groenewald told us it would be a “wasted opportunity” not to pursue local production.

*GWM also owns a full-scale production facility in Thailand.*

“I think as GWM Global is growing their footprint outside China, the South African market and our manufacturing capabilities in South Africa can play a greater part in their global strategy,” Groenewald said at the time.

In addition to its several full-scale manufacturing plants in China, GWM also has a production facility in Thailand, with a Brazilian plant expected to come online in 2025, too. The firm furthermore runs KD factories (which assemble vehicles using “knocked-down” kits) in countries such as Ecuador, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia and Bulgaria.

A wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese group, GWM South Africa is responsible not only for the GWM marque but also the Haval, Ora, P-Series and Tank sub-brands. It’s not yet clear which vehicles GWM might consider building in South Africa.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet: Classic Drive

A pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz A124 is a relatively rare model, but a local collector kindly offered us a sunset drive in his 300CE Cabriolet along one of the most picturesque roads in the country.

It is hard to believe that there was a time when a 4-seater cabriolet ‘Benz was not available. But that was, in fact, the case throughout the 1970s and the 1980s. That changed for the better at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991, when the A124 (code name) Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet was unveiled.

However, buyers had to be patient as the car only went into series production 6 months after it was unveiled (an aeon by contemporary standards). This is understandable as Mercedes-Benz had to first put it through its usual rigorous development test procedures to be sure of its dynamism and safety.

Background of the 300CE Cabriolet

Based in the Winelands town of Stellenbosch, the owner of this Mercedes-Benz 300 CE Cabriolet has numerous ‘Benzes in his collection. However, this is one of his favourites – for a variety of reasons.

Back in the ’90s, this particular car was imported to South Africa for the German ambassador who resided in Pretoria. That also explains why it is a left-hand drive unit in a right-hand drive market.

When the ambassador moved back to Germany, the car was sold and the new owner gave it to his son who lived outside Cape Town. Here it was stored in a garage under blankets for years and was rarely driven. It then found its way into the possession of a Mercedes-Benz specialist. He took it upon himself to recommission the car since it needed some work following so little use.

The current owner saw the Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet when the specialist attended club meetings and reminded him that if he ever wanted to sell the car to please keep him in mind. The rest is history.

Wilhelm Lutjeharms drives the Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet

The W124 (of which the A124 is a variant) is one of the earliest Mercedes-Benz models that started the evolution from the squared-off design theme we associate with earlier models. Even so, the relatively angled lines of this Blauschwarz exterior colour make it stand out – it’s unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.

Specifications:

Model: Mercedes-Benz 300 CE-24 Cabriolet (A124)
Engine: 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, petrol
Power: 162 kW at 6 400 rpm
Torque: 264 Nm at 4 600 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, RWD
Weight: 1 710 kg
0-100 km/h: 8.8 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 230 kph (claimed)

Behind the wheel

There is no better way to end a weekend than with a sunset drive on a pristine piece of tarmac. The R44 runs through the Winelands to and then along the coast – the road is perfectly tarred and complements the silky smooth and simply effortless nature of the early-Nineties Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet rear tracking shot

First in the passenger seat and then later behind the ‘wheel, I’m first and foremost reminded of how solidly these cars were built. There are no squeaks or rattles in the cabin and overall the car feels remarkably fresh. Even over speed bumps the suspension works perfectly and the car feels sturdy. The fact that the car is fitted with plump 205/60 tyres on 15-inch wheels helps with bump absorption.

This road is one of the best and prettiest driving roads on the continent, snaking along the rugged coastline of False Bay. On the opposite side of the bay, you have the Southern suburbs of Cape Town. Incidentally, this road also formed part of the route that was used during the international launch of the (in hindsight, quite controversial) Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar back in 2004.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet front seats

Behind the ‘wheel, there are a few elements that immediately remind you of the fact that this is a W124-based Mercedes-Benz variant. This includes the view over the bonnet, the near-square, compact side mirrors and then several aspects of the cabin itself.

Luxury items include heated seats and, to the left of the transmission lever, there is the familiar shift button which you can select between “E” and “S”. I don’t see the point of driving this car in any other setting than in its default “drive mode” (which it isn’t) though. As I settle behind the ‘wheel and close the door, the quaint little arm behind my left shoulder hands me the seatbelt so it easily falls to hand.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet front tracking shot

With the roof and windows permanently down for the entire afternoon (except for a single shot before the sun sets) we experience the best the A124-series ‘Benz has to offer. There is the option to raise the windows and put the wind deflector in place, but on a perfect afternoon, some wind entering the cabin is quite welcome. The deflector unfortunately also does the lines on the car no favours, in my opinion.

There are long stretches of open road where the Mercedes-Benz 300 CE Cabriolet is only too happy to stretch its proverbial legs. Here I notice how the car will easily cruise at an indicated 160 kph. Press the accelerator pedal past its stop and you activate the kickdown function.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet front three-quarter shot

From a relaxed 2 500 or 3 000 rpm, the powertrain suddenly gears down, the revs jump by, oh, about 1 000 rpm and the car accelerates in a relatively linear fashion, accompanied by a throaty roar from the double exhaust pipes. I’m treated to a more intense 6-cylinder aural symphony as the sound bounces back to us in the car while travelling right next to the vertical rock faces that abound on our route.

By the time the revs rise to 5 000 rpm, the engine still has another 2 000 rpm left. As peak power is delivered at 6 400 rpm, there is little use in revving the engine much past six grand. However, it is in the middle of the rev range that I find that the Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet offers a good level of torque with plenty of shove left in reserve should you need to summon brisk overtaking acceleration in a hurry.

The next stop before we turn around is Kleinmond where we head to the small launch pad in the harbour. A handful of people pay attention to the A124 as it is not a car you see often. If it was the W124 sedan, no one would likely have noticed.

Owner’s thoughts

As we make our way back, the owner and I discuss the car, which he bought in November 2015, intently.

“I’ve done regular trips with the car, usually around 200 to 300 km return journeys to towns in the Boland or Overberg. Of the few cars I own, this will be the absolute last car I’ll sell,” he says.

“Why? First, it is genuinely an affordable car to maintain. You don’t necessarily need a specialist to work on the car. There are tens of thousands of W124s made, so parts are easy to source. Secondly, it drives like a modern car without all the modern technology. Moreover, it’s also fairly practical.”

“It is also a solid and safe car. On the open road, it is an exceptionally comfortable grand tourer. Finally, if you want to drive fast you can, although that is not the most important feature of the car for me.”

The owner points out a couple of aspects of the interior that are not standard, as well as the grille and bumper which need to receive a correcting layer of paint. Other than that, the car is near-perfect.

As the owner says, the car has thankfully never been mistreated, but it has been used (which is evident from minor stone chips in the front-end paintwork). That matters little as the car has been maintained properly and the 160 000 km on the odo, shows that it has also been used regularly throughout its life.

In the pouch containing all the booklets of this car are the service book, the owner’s manual and the original warranty document. When you purchase a classic, make sure to collect and file provenance.

Summary

As the sun almost dips behind the horizon, we raise the Mercedes-Benz 300CE Cabriolet’s (still original) roof (complete with its glass screen). Having seen the car the entire afternoon with the roof and windows down, it does look momentarily less desirable “with its hat on”, but you only need to drive it in this guise if the weather doesn’t allow you otherwise. For the rest of the time, lower the roof and head for the coast!

Find a classic or new Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet listed on Cars.co.za

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Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV (2024) Price & Specs

Pricing for the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in South Africa has been quietly released, with this vehicle arriving as the Maybach division’s first fully electric model…

Revealed back in April 2023, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is seemingly on the verge of making local landfall, with pricing having been quietly released. This model will touch down in South Africa as the Maybach division’s very first fully electric vehicle.

So, how much will this battery-powered ultra-luxury SUV cost you in Mzansi? Well, we can confirm that pricing for the EQS 680 SUV will start at R4 052 983. As a reminder, the “standard” (that is, non-Maybach) 265 kW version kicks off at R2 731 951 in EQS 450 SUV guise.

Interestingly, that makes the newcomer the most “affordable” (for lack of a better term) Maybach model currently on the local market, coming in below Mercedes-Maybach’s petrol-powered S 580 (R4 172 437), GLS 600 (R4 651 874) and S 680 (R5 199 173).

The EQS 680 SUV features an electric motor on each axle, resulting in all-wheel drive. These permanently excited synchronous motors draw their urge from a 118 kWh (usable) battery pack and offer combined system outputs of 484 kW and 955 Nm.

According to the German firm, the electric SUV can complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 4.4 seconds, before topping out at 210 kph. Single-charge range tops out at a claimed 611 km, while the battery pack’s maximum DC charging capacity is listed as 200 kW.

So, besides the beefier powertrain, what sets this Maybach version apart from the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV on which it’s based? Well, the Maybach-specific grille is perhaps the most obvious styling change, while this model is also available with the firm’s signature 2-tone paintwork. Other design elements include the Maybach wheels, the hand-applied filigree pinstripe and a multitude of Maybach logos, inside and out.

In addition, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV’s 2nd row features 2 individual reclinable seats, each complete with ventilation and massage functions. This vehicle furthermore boasts several model-exclusive features, including automatically opening doors, the standard MBUX Hyperscreen (with Maybach specific start-up animations), rose-gold interior trim, a pair of 11.6-inch rear passenger displays, the MBUX rear tablet and plenty more. Full local specifications, however, have yet to be released…

How much does the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV cost in SA?

Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV – R4 052 983

The price above includes the brand’s 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which Mercedes-Benz SA says the buyer “shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase” of the vehicle.

Mitsubishi SA boss hits out at ‘damaging’ new Chinese brands

The head of Mitsubishi SA says new Chinese brands could easily exit the country when times get tough, “damaging” the industry and potentially leaving buyers high and dry…

The man at the helm of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa says the barriers to entry in the local automotive market are too low, allowing Chinese brands to come and go “very easily” and ultimately “damaging” the industry.

Thato Magasa, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, made the comments during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

Over the past few years, Chinese firms such as GWM and Chery have made significant inroads into the local market, sparking an influx of other brands (most offering high levels of standard specification at comparatively attractive prices) from the world’s second-most populous nation. Recent examples include BYD and GAC Motor, along with Chery subsidiaries such as Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour, with yet more in the pipeline.

“What we need to start talking about is not necessarily the ‘threat’ of Chinese brands coming into the country, but the low barriers to entry that we have in South Africa, in which brands are able to come in very easily, without making tangible investments into ‘SA Inc’ – and when times are tough, easily exit the country as well,” Magasa told us.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — *Mitsubishi’s new Outlander Sport is due in SA in early 2025.*

“That is damaging for the industry at large and damaging for the SA consumer in the end. Because, at the end of the day, when these brands leave, what do they leave behind? They don’t support on the aftersales side. And it’s up to either the distributor that’s left in the country to do that or if they’re in South Africa on their own then you get quite concerned as to how that leaves the South African consumers in the end.”

Magasa was perhaps referring to Chinese brands like Geely, which exited the South African market about a decade ago. From what we understand, however, Geely is plotting a local comeback and could thus follow in the footsteps of Chery, which similarly rejoined Mzansi in 2021 after quitting the local scene in 2018. The SAIC-owned MG brand, too, is poised to make yet another return to the local market by the end of 2024.

*The new Triton is scheduled to launch locally in November 2024.*

“I think there are many businesses that are invested in South Africa for the long run, that have been here for decades – and that’s the heritage that we speak to. And what we say is that while we embrace competition and we’d like more competition in South Africa and we’d like consumers to have choice, it must be done with the right intent,” Magasa added.

“There are lots of conversations around the future of our industry here [at SA Auto Week 2024]. But I ask you to look around: how many new entrants are here, actively playing their part? It doesn’t help to just come in and just want to sell to South Africans – you can, because we have low barriers to entry – but how many of us are coming in and trying to actually grow this market?” he asked.

Year to date (at the end of September 2024), Mitsubishi sales in South Africa total 1 577 units, representing a 36.1% drop compared to the same period in 2023. However, the Japanese firm will in November 2024 launch its new Triton bakkie, with the new Outlander Sport set to debut early in 2025.

Kia Tasman double-cab bakkie revealed

Meet the Kia Tasman – the South Korean brand’s new double-cab bakkie, which Kia South Africa aims to launch in our market during the second half of 2025.

After a lengthy teaser campaign, Kia finally unveiled its Tasman double-cab bakkie at the Jeddah Motor Show in Saudi Arabia this morning (October 29). Kia says it will introduce its bold newcomer in Africa (including Mzansi!), Australia and the Middle East, among other markets, next year.

“Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.

The new bakkie will be built in South Korea and features an all-new platform with a body-on-frame setup. It’s a clean-sheet design, but the grille and headlamps are interpretations of classic Kia design elements.

The Tasman will be produced in single and double-cab guises (including a specific off-road version), and for the commercial market, there will be chassis-cab variants as well.

I managed to make my way through the crowds for an up-close inspection of the newcomer. The design is very bold and quite unlike any other bakkie I’ve seen – it incorporates some interesting design details!

As for the interior, it looks excellent – the fascia is dominated by a panoramic wide display that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate control console and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Other notable interior features include a large folding console table, dual wireless charging pads and hidden storage bins concealed beneath the rear seats that offer a storage capacity of 33 litres.

Moreover, it’s quite a spacious bakkie, especially at the back. The Kia Tasman is said to offer “best-in-segment headroom, shoulder room and 2nd-row legroom of 940 mm”, with the rear seatbacks able to recline between 22- and 30 degrees, the manufacturer says.

Engines and Transmission

The Kia Tasman will be powered by a 205 kW/421 Nm 2.5-litre turbopetrol engine, which is said to propel the bakkie from 0-100 kph in 8.5 sec, or a 154 KW/441 Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel (it differs from market to market), and customers will be able to choose between an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual ‘box.

Both the X-Line and X-Pro variants will be equipped with all-wheel-drive as standard, but the base version will be 2WD. Kia says the AWD system can switch automatically to the configuration required to provide optimum traction on different road surfaces and it offers 3 drive modes – ECO, Smart and Sport – with various terrain modes available within these settings depending on the relevant market.

Of course, being a bakkie means it has to be able to take on the toughest of terrain. Kia says the Tasman has 800 mm of wading depth and ground clearance of 224 mm (up to 252 mm for the X-Pro offroad trim). Higher-spec derivatives will have an automatically engaging rear electronic locking differential.

The Kia Tasman’s load bay is 1 512 mm long, 1 572 mm wide (1 186 mm between the wheel housings), and 540 mm deep, which according to Kia, provides best-in-class cargo capability of 1 173 liters.

When will Kia Tasman come to South Africa?

“The all-new Kia Tasman presents an exciting new opportunity for Kia globally, and indeed in South Africa,” says Paul Turnbull, the CEO of Kia South Africa.

“We are hard at work to make the Tasman’s local introduction a reality, and based on current planning, we aim to do this in the second half of 2025.”

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Further Reading