The BMW X4 LCI has touched down and here are the specifications as well as pricing for this model in South Africa.
Unlike the BMW X3, the X4 LCI is not built in South Africa and is instead imported from the BMW facility in Spartanburg, USA.
Bucking the trend of oversized grilles, the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI features an updated version of the kidney grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new-look LED headlamps and some interestingly-styled rear LED taillights.
Inside, the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI receive a new-look center console with the climate control now above the audio controls. There’s a new 10.250-inch infotainment screen, but if you go for the Live Cockpit Professional (standard on X4), there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch screen on offer. There are also tweaks to the interior trim and materials.
What’s on offer?
BMW South Africa is offering the sporty coupe SUV in three flavours. Kicking off the range is likely to be regarded as the most sensible option. The xDrive20d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm, with power going to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It’s said to consume just 5.6 L/100 km.
The rest of the range is petrol-powered and geared towards the enthusiasts. The next model is the M40i, which features a turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine delivering 285 kW and 500 Nm. It too features all-wheel drive and is capable of a 0-100 kph time of just 4.5 seconds, before running onto a top speed of 250 kph.
Finally, at the top of the pile comes the mighty X4 M Competition, which packs a big turbocharged 3.0-litre motor punching out 375 kW and 650 Nm. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 seconds, thanks to a clever all-wheel drive system and a quick-shifting automatic gearbox.
Inside, the BMW X4 LCI M will receive powered M sport seats with illuminated M logos, Merino leather upholstery, Alcantara knee pads on the center console, the M multifunction steering wheel, M seat belts, and other goodies.
How much does the BMW X4 LCI cost in South Africa?
The BMW iX electric vehicle has done something remarkable. It achieved the highest possible five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety assessment.
Car safety is something we take an interest in and it’s fascinating to see how far cars have come in terms of both crash avoidance as well as active safety measures. The Euro NCAP test program is brutal and the goalposts get moved very often, so if your product passed previously, you’ll likely struggle in the next year’s test. Of course, we’ve had some shockers too and few will forget the infamous zero-stars Datsun Go.
The Euro NCAP test not only focuses on the number of airbags as well as how strong the vehicle is, but also looks at the number of semi-autonomous safety features. This is the tech that will intervene if the driver isn’t paying attention, like your autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert to name but a few. While these sound like gimmicks, the Cars.co.za team all have had instances where their car has touched the brakes to avoid a minor incident.
In the era of the electric car, there are some additional complications. Firstly, there are the battery packs which represent a fire hazard and secondly, the packaging. Traditional internal combustion vehicles have a large heavy mass in the front of the car in the form of an engine which affects its safety rating, while electric cars have their batteries at the bottom and motors are on the axles. Despite these challenges and the strict Euro NCAP rating system, the new BMW iX came out on top when it achieved the highest possible five-star rating.
“The BMW iX sets new standards in sustainability, and its top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP underlines the vehicle’s comprehensive sustainability concept,” says Dominik Schuster, Head of Vehicle Safety BMW. “The extremely stable body structure and the extended range of restraint systems ensure an outstanding level of occupant protection. In addition, the BMW iX scores highly both in the test programme and in everyday driving with innovative driver assistance systems that significantly reduce the risk of accidents in a wide array of situations.”
The BMW iX scored highly when it came to occupant protection as well as its advanced driver assistance systems, which are effective in helping to prevent accidents. Another highlight was the new airbag located between the driver and front passenger seat that helps negate the effects of a T-bone crash from the side. Child safety was also noteworthy for both front and side crashes.
The BMW iX is available in South Africa in two flavours; xDrive 40 and xDrive 50, and is priced from R1.65 million.
A much bigger i3 with 250 kW, but don’t expect it outside of anywhere but China.
There’s good news if you like the idea of an i3 but prefer a lockable metal boot instead of a liftgate.
Thanks to the Chinese product registration authorities, BMW’s latest 3 Series derivative has been outed: and it is an i3. Confused? Don’t be.
Pandering to the demand for electric vehicles in China, and the country’s bias toward sedans, BMW has created an i3 version of its current 3 Series. Literally.
The car in question has two badges on its bootlid: i3 on the left and eDrive 35 Li on the right. In terms of design, the only differences between this i3 eDrive 35 Li and any other 3 Series are the lack of exhausts, solid kidneys on the nose and model-specific alloy wheels.
Like most sedans in China, the eDrive 35 Li has a stretched wheelbase of 2.97m, compared to a European or South African specification 3 Series, which has its axles 2.85m apart. The overall length is 4.87m.
A longer wheelbase is usually a comfort feature, creating greater cabin dimensions. But on the eDrive 35 Li, it has an additional benefit: creating more space for the battery pack.
Although official powertrain specifications have not been confirmed, the eDrive 35 Li should be powered by a 250 kW electric motor – used by other BMW EVs. Battery capacity should also be similar to the i4 eDrive 40i, which would see an 80.7kWh energy density unit.
Electrification always has a weight penalty and the i3 eDrive 35 Li is much heavier than an internal-combustion powered 3 Series. Its kerb weight is 2 029 kg – not far off a luxury SUV.
Acceleration numbers are unconfirmed, but top speed is limited to 180 kph. With any electric vehicle range is the crucial statistic, and the i3 eDrive 35 Li should do 590 km before requiring a recharge.
We get behind the wheel of the new Audi e-tron S Sportback – one of the many electric cars the German brand will be offering to the South African market.
Audi South Africa has committed to launching six fully electric cars on the local market within the next three years, and we were excited to be afforded the opportunity to drive the flagship SUV.
While Audi will sell ICE cars in South Africa (such as its RS range) until at least 2033, electric mobility is a big focus for the company and we’re excited to see the roll-out.
The flagship e-tron S Sportback that we sampled offers a stonking 370 kW of power and is good for a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds – but it certainly feels faster, and offers a range of between 350 and 380km.
In this video, we take a detailed look at the newcomer and try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
For a detailed discussion on the future of Audi in South Africa, we hosted Audi SA’s MD, Sascha Sauer, in our podcast studio, and you can watch that video here:
How much does the Audi e-tron S Sportback cost in South Africa?
e-tron 55 advanced R1 990 000 e-tron 55 S line R2 045 000 e-tron 55 Sportback S line R2 115 000 e-tron S Sportback R2 425 000 e-tron GT R2 715 000 RS e-tron GT R3 300 000
French assets in Stellantis want to go electric earlier than most.
Peugeot is accelerating its transitioning to an all-electric vehicle line-up, which leaves very little room, for any future petrol cars, by the end of this decade.
The French brand, which is part of the Stellantis group, has confirmed that by 2030, it will only market electric vehicles in Europe.
A broader theme is how that decision could impact Peugeot’s international business. Like South Africa.
Will Peugeot retain some petrol engines to power its vehicles by 2030, for intentional markets? In theory, it could be the case. But in practice, it could be challenging.
As part of Stellantis global product strategy, Europe will become Peugeot’s market of choice. Peugeot’s strategy sounds quite clever because of favourable incentives toward electric car ownership and its legacy brand equity in Europe.
Smaller markets, like South Africa, could become a complicated issue. It is improbable that South Africa will have the required investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2030 – a date at which Peugeot’s product portfolio will be nearly wholly electric.
The French brand’s designers and engineers are working towards a future where four dedicated electric vehicle platforms will underpin all its products. And that leaves very little possibility for petrol engines – unless they are part of PHEV vehicle configurations. And what about the diesel double-cab bakkie question?
To engineer vehicle platforms that can be built as hybrids are complex. PHEVs also forego many of the benefits that full-electric platforms bring – such as a frunk and flat floor.
As Peugeot’s focus on electric drive increases towards its European goal of EV-only by 2030, peripheral markets could suffer from powertrain option starvation.
A specific challenge for Peugeot will be containing cost. It is a value brand in many markets, offering French design flair at modest prices.
Electric vehicles are very expensive, due to the implied R&D costs and components. Reconciling Peugeot’s desire for an all-EV product portfolio and entry-level pricing compatible with its compact car legacy, could prove difficult.
Stellantis may end up leveraging some of its other brands, such as Jeep, and Alfa to keep petrol versions going worldwide on legacy ICE platforms.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been spotted out testing on public roads. Despite the vast SUV portfolio, Merc still believes the E-Class has its place in the family.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
What you see here is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s still fairly well camouflaged, but our spy photographers say the development of this model is quite far along and the real heavy-duty camouflage was only used internally at Mercedes. Are we looking at a groundbreaking design for the E-Class?
It’s too early to tell obviously, but naturally, you’d think the E-Class would look like a larger version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which in turn looks like a shrunken S-Class. We’d definitely bank on the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class not looking like any of the new EQ range, which is due to hit SA in early 2022.
From what we can see here, the design is long and very E-Class. The headlights and grille are just about visible, but we know that the devil is in the details. Inside, expect the full array of connectivity options as well as semi-autonomous driving tech. The new MBUX tablet-style infotainment screen is highly likely.
When it comes to engines, we suspect that the current crop of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines will be carried over, although they would have been given hybrid electric tech to help keep emissions down and improve economy. For those who are looking forward to the thundering 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the AMG model, we have some bad news. Autocar is reporting that a plug-in hybrid 2.0-litre turbo will be offered. This will be a very similar setup to the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63.
Expect to see the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class revealed in 2022.
Mazda adds hybrid option to its popular compact hatch.
Badge engineering happens. And in a world of escalating R&D costs, you can expect to see it happen – a whole lot more.
Mazda is the latest company to ask for a favour. This time, from Toyota.
Although Mazda has a promising fleet of pure electric and PHEV vehicles on the horizon, it needs to dramatically reduce its fleet CO2 numbers – now.
To help Mazda, it has a new hybrid that looks an awful lot like Toyota’s European specification Yaris. Because it is.
Requiring a Mazda2 hybrid right away, Toyota has allowed its Japanese rival to put a Mazda badge on the Yaris hybrid. The result is an absence of Kodo design, with Mazda badging inside and out.
The Mazda2 hybrid uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, augmented by a single electric motor. Total system output is 85 kW, which is good enough for a benchmark 0-100 kph sprint time of 9.7 seconds.
Top speed is an undramatic 175 kph, but as with any hybrid vehicle, the true appeal is fuel economy.
The Mazda2 hybrid is claimed to run at 3.1L/100 km, making it a remarkably efficient proposition.
To reduce inefficiency, the Mazda2 hybrid defaults to full EV mode on start-up. Instead of burning fuel, it uses the electric motor at low speeds, to overcome inertia.
Regenerative braking technology also helps to harvest maximum efficiency from this hybridized Mazda2, feeding the recovered energy back into the battery and keeping it topped up.
The shift towards electric mobility is gaining momentum and many manufacturers are looking to the future and introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to the mass market. While electric cars aren’t as common in South Africa as in other parts of the world, things are changing steadily… Here are the major electric car introductions that you can expect to see in South Africa in the near future.
Vast distances, lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the prohibitively high purchase prices of electric vehicles are likely to remain key factors that will continue to stifle the adoption of electric cars in South Africa for the foreseeable future.
However, the wheel is slowly turning and rapid technological developments in terms of fast charging, improved electric vehicle range, design and integration are addressing these concerns. The Jaguar Powerway (in partnership with GridCars) which was the result of a R30-million investment has made a significant difference in bolstering new charging infrastructure in major hubs and along major holiday routes across South Africa. Furthermore, brands such as BMW and Nissan have also collaborated to increase access to public charging infrastructure across the country.
If you haven’t yet done so, watch and listen to our Podcast: Will electric cars work in South Africa?
Earlier this year, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition released an Auto Green Paper on the Advancement of New Energy Vehicles in South Africa, laying the foundation for South Africa to gear up for local electric vehicle (EV) production. The Auto Green Paper is the first step in the process of developing the roadmap towards local EV and EV component production. Watch this space!
With fuel prices consistently rising, demand for electric cars might very well be at the start of a long upward trajectory in the medium to long-term and the arrival of the following products in coming months might be the start of a major shift in public perception towards electric mobility.
Electric Cars Coming to South Africa in 2022
Audi e-tron SUV / e-tron Sportback / e-tron GT – Q1 2022
The e-tron 55 SUV (advanced and s line) offers a total output of 300 kW and 664 Nm and uses a 95 kWh battery system to deliver a range between 369 and 440 km according to WLTP. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 5.7 seconds.
The e-tron 55 Sportback packs the same battery and output as the above e-tron 55 SUV but features a slightly better range of between 372 and 453 km.
If you want more oomph, you might want to consider the e-tron S Sportback with 370 kW and 973 Nm. I twill dash from zero to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and offer a range of between 347 and 378 km.
As for the stylish e-tron GT, it delivers 350 kW and 630 Nm and makes use of a 93.4 kWh battery to deliver a range of between 433 to 472 km. the e-tron GT will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.
But that’s not all because there will be a more potent RS e-tron GT on offer too with no less than 440 kW and 830 Nm which will provide rapid acceleration from zero to 100 kph in only 3.6 seconds. Range is claimed at between 433 and 472 km for this derivative.
Mercedes-Benz will launch a flurry of new EV products in 2022 including the EQA, EQB, EQC and the EQS.
The EQA is an all-electric version of the brand’s GLA and there will be multiple derivatives of EQA to come, but the EQA 250 is likely to arrive first. Under the bonnet, there’s a 140 kW electric motor, which gives the EQA a range of 486 km based on the NEDC cycle. For those wanting more, there’ll be an all-wheel drive model, as well as models that have over 200 kW and long-distance versions that are said to offer at least 500 km.
The EQB was revealed in April 2021 and unlike other Merc EV products, it’s a 7-seater! Multiple versions of the EQB will be available including front- and all-wheel-drive versions. Different power outputs will be available too, with European derivatives exceeding 200 kW. Range is claimed at about 420km.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC will be powered by a pair of electric motors, combining to deliver 300 kW and 765 Nm of torque. There’s a motor on the front axle and a second at the rear, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is expected to offer a range of 450 km.
Merc’s EV offensive will be topped off with the ultra-luxurious, flagship EQS which will be initially offered as either the EQS 450+ with 245 kW or the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW. Range is claimed at up to 770 km (WLTP).
Note that exact South African model specification and pricing details are not yet known and this information will be communicated closer to launch. Buy a used Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za
BMW iX3 and i4 – Q2 2022
BMW’s local electric car portfolio is due to expand with the introduction of the iX3 SUV and i4 sedan, both of which are due to arrive in the second quarter of 2022.
The iX3 is essentially an electrified version of the firm’s popular X3 SUV. Powering the 2022 BMW iX3 is an electric motor that’s packaged with the gearbox and electronics in one single housing. Outputs are rated at 210 kW and 400 Nm, and BMW says its updated iX3 is good for a 0-100 kph of just 6.8 seconds. Power consumption is said to be 18.9 – 18.5 kWh/100 km and the vehicle has a range of 460 km based on the WLTP cycle. Fast-charging is available and a 10-minute charge from a 150 kW charger will give you around 100 km of range.
As for the i4 eDrive40 sedan, it will offer 250 Nm and 430 Nm with a claimed range of around 483 km using an 83.9 kWh battery and a zero to 100 kph sprint time of about 5.9 seconds. There is a possibility that BMW will offer an i4 M50 derivative with at least 400 kW and a zero to 100kph sprint capability of 3.9 seconds but with a reduced range of 394 km.
Much bigger tyres and more clearance, for the lavish ‘Cruiser
Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 is hugely capable. But what if you need a bit more?
The reliable folks at Arctic Trucks have developed an upgrade kit for the 300, with predictably impressive results.
With its traditional ladder-frame platform and lack of air-suspension, upgrading Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 is an easier task than some other luxury SUVs. With unibody structures.
Big wheels are a theme of utility with Arctic Trucks and the 300 looks like it was always designed to roll those huge 35-inch tyres, mounted on sensible 17-inch rims. Reshaped fender extensions and mudflaps ensure adequate room for the huge tyres.
Supporting the enhanced mechanical traction of those massive tyres, are some suspension modifications. With the change in unsprung weight, due to those enormous tyres, Arctic Trucks have upgraded the front and rear suspension with different dampers and springs.
Where the Arctic Trucks technical expertise comes into play, is calibrating those suspension upgrades to remain within the functional threshold of Land Cruiser 300’s KDSS system. And its off-road traction control algorithms.
But what are the true off-road geometry gains? The Arctic Trucks 300 has a 320 mm wider tracking width – something that could be an issue on narrow off-road trails.
The most significant benefit is 40 mm of additional ride height, giving the Arctic Trucks 300 270 mm ground clearance when edging over obstacles.
Approach and departure angles also gain an impressive 5-degrees at either end of the Arctic Trucks 300. This should enable drivers to confidently venture into challenging and rocky terrain without the risk of leaving bumpers behind on the trail.
Local rally legend, Giniel de Villiers, together with 4×4 Mega World has developed a custom accessory package for the Toyota Hilux. See what’s available below…
Toyota Hilux owners who want to give their double-cab bakkie a new, purposeful look can now consider a new selection of accessories tailored by Giniel de Villiers and 4×4 Mega World.
“The idea with the GDV Racing Toyota Hilux is to offer enthusiasts the opportunity to live their passion. To my eyes, the bakkie is clearly non-standard, but it doesn’t feature any custom bodywork. This gives the car a stylish yet rugged appearance, and together with the changes under the skin, will set this vehicle apart from the regular Toyota Hilux” says De Villiers.
The GDV Racing treatment is offered in 3 tiers, depending on what a Hilux owner wants to achieve.
The first tier is essentially a basic decal kit (with signed Giniel de Villiers decals inside and out) while the second tier adds a stainless steel nudge bar, stainless steel roll bar, ARB intensity lights and Takla seat covers with GDV Racing embroidery.
The third top tier further adds 17-inch Dirty Life alloy wheels shod with 265/70R17 S/T Cooper Max Tyres as well as an adjustable Old Man Emu BP51 suspension system, the latter of which lifts the ride height by 50 mm while the dampers provide enhanced performance offroad.
As part of the deal, buyers will also receive a GDV Racing cap signed by Giniel de Villiers as well as a pair of GDV Racing Oakley sunglasses. The GDV Racing kits are available from selected 4×4 Mega World outlets countrywide.
“The GDV Racing kits can be fitted to either new double-cab bakkies or to cars that have been on the road for some time. We are treating this as a limited edition, however, so prospective buyers should make contact with us sooner rather than later” says Kurt Brunner, head of Business Development at 4×4 Mega World.
