Land Rover Discovery (2021) Review

The Land Rover Discovery’s biggest competition has come from within its own stable in the form of the new Defender. Land Rover has, therefore, looked to further differentiate the 2 models by repositioning the Discovery as a more premium offering. We tested the new D300 R-Dynamic SE derivative.

We like: Range Rover-like levels of luxury, acres of space, D300 delivers excellent performance.

We don’t like: Priced above its rivals, still quite thirsty.

Fast Facts:

Model tested: Land Rover Discovery D300 R-Dynamic SE
Price: R1 623 180 (November 2021)
Engine: 3.0-litre straight 6-cylinder turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 221 kW and 650 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel efficiency: 7.4 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 6.8 sec (estimated)
Load capacity: 258–1 231–2 500 litres

Serious about buying?

Some Land Rover dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our Car Specials here!

Why the facelift?

Even with the facelift, the Discovery’s strange offset rear numberplate remains.

Land Rover may be enjoying the global success of the new Defender, but the Discovery is probably the model that has been hit hardest by the newcomer’s rampant popularity. The two models are quite similar in execution… The new Defender carries more gravitas when it comes to off-road prowess, but it nonetheless has an interior that’s upmarket enough to attract traditional premium SUV buyers.

In order to draw the buying public’s attention back to the Discovery nameplate, Land Rover has applied a facelift to the model – one that ramps up the interior execution more towards Range Rover-like levels of luxury. The Solihull-based brand has also introduced air suspension as standard fitment, which endows the new-look Discovery with a composed – and eminently comfortable – ride quality.

New straight-six turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines have also been installed to meet stricter European emissions standards. However, it’s the technology updates inside the Discovery that are easiest to spot, with the Pivi Pro infotainment system taking centre stage on the premium SUV’s fascia.

The hand that Land Rover has played here is logical, but the upgrade has pushed the Discovery well into the R1.5-million range, which means it comes at a premium over the likes of the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Audi Q7 and even the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300. That said, Land Rover has always justified the Discovery’s higher sticker price based on the model’s brilliant versatility, so how does it fare now?

How does the Discovery fare in terms of…

On- and off-road ability

The Land Rover Discovery is the most capable SUV in its segment across varied surfaces.

There’s no doubt that the Discovery offers genuine dual-purpose ability, even if this generation model looks a little softer-edged than its predecessors. It’s more capable than ever with the best off-roading ability in its class; in truth, it’s the only premium SUV that you would actually consider taking on extended off-road trips. By contrast, the standard air suspension enhances the model’s on-road abilities too.

The big Disco does, however, feel its size in the city – executing slow-speed manoeuvres (in parking lots, for example) require a level of caution. The surround-view camera system does help in this respect, however, because the new infotainment system allows you to rotate the image of the car on the screen to see specific angles or objects – it’s a party trick that may prove very useful when off-roading too.

In terms of handling dynamics, the Land Rover is not as nimble as a BMW X5 or Audi Q7, but it’s not a wallowing hippo on the tarmac either; in fact, it’s more composed on-road than its Defender sibling. It’s a big SUV, but the air suspension adapts nicely to minimise bodyroll without compromising ride quality. Such lofty levels of on-road comfort make the Discovery well suited to undertaking long journeys.

Land Rover has made it its quest to make off-roading as hassle-free as possible with every new iteration of vehicle it produces. The Discovery has built-in Terrain Response – you activate it by pressing the rotary dial in the centre console, then waiting a second for it to raise up and then swivelling it to select the mode that matches the terrain you intend to tackle. Low range is easily selected with a simple press of a button beneath the rotary dial. The result is the most luxuriously capable off-roader currently on the market (the new Range Rover is due in 2022; its off-road prowess will finally eclipse that of the Disco).

Luxury and connectivity

Note the new Pivi Pro infotainment system and a new Defender-esque steering wheel.

The introduction of the new 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system in this facelifted Discovery yields improvements in connectivity options, as well as the speed with which the hardware responds to inputs. The glass screen and hi-res display lift the cabin ambience and make the fascia look more contemporary.

It would be nice if Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone-mirroring technology were available wirelessly (you still require a cable connection), but with over-the-air software updates now available, such functionality could be “pushed” to the vehicle in the future without having to visit a dealer’s workshop to update the system.

A wireless charger is provided (in the storage bay beneath the climate controls), but it’s not a fast charger, to get an expedient charge-up you need to connect your smartphone (or another digital device) to the USB/USB C points around the cabin. You can spec loads of them too, including convenient ones on the rear of the front seats that allow for tablets to be charged as well as docked in place.

The Discovery is billed as a 7-seater that can actually accommodate 7 adults, in absolute comfort, which we can confirm because we had 6-foot-tall adult passengers seated in the Land Rover’s last row of seats for extended periods during this test. Seats are folded electrically via switches near the respective pews or via a cluster of switches located in the load bay.

While the latter takes the hassle out of manually dropping seats (especially when you want to drop both rows), the system can be a bit finicky with respect to the positions the seats are in when you decide to fold them remotely. If the system’s “not happy”, the seat will raise back into position, which is frustrating… because then you need to troubleshoot the problem!

The electric towbar and electrically deployable tailgate are useful with the latter capable of holding 300 kg, which is more than useful for having impromptu boot picnics. Speaking of the load bay, it’s no less than massive and, with all the rear seats folded down, you have access to the largest utility space in the segment (2 500 litres).

Engine performance

The new D300 power unit proved impressively effective at moving the big Discovery around at a brisk pace.

This is our first experience with one of Land Rover’s new straight-six powerplants. It produces healthy peak outputs of 221 kW and 650 Nm and it is allied with a 48V mid-hybrid system, which recoups power when slowing down and then redeploys it as torque to assist the Discovery when it accelerates from a standstill. It’s a very quiet motor; in fact, all you really hear from inside the cabin is a hint of wind noise.

The D300 power unit propels the sizeable Disco with more than sufficient gusto courtesy of its strong low-down torque, which continues to be delivered in a linear manner throughout the turbodiesel’s rev range. It makes for smooth progress and while the 8-speed automatic transmission isn’t quite as sharp as that of the X5, it’s still notably slick-shifting and effective at selecting the right gear at the right time.

An abundance of overtaking acceleration is a real strength of the new engine – you don’t get that kick of low down torque that tapers off quickly, which can leave you a bit exposed if you’re overtaking at speed. The acceleration is consistent and it hauls along the big-rig Land Rover with impressive speed. It’s easy to see how Land Rover could claim a 0-100 kph time of 6.8 sec for this derivative.

The combination of a new engine and a mild-hybrid setup was meant to make the facelifted Disco more fuel-efficient, but we didn’t find that the D300 R-Dynamic SE got anywhere near its claimed figure of 7.4 L/100 km. Looking back at our 2018 test of the pre-facelift Td6, we averaged 9.6 L/100 km in that model (190 kW/600 Nm), which is lower than the indicated 10.1L/100 km we achieved with this unit.

This must be caveated with the fact that our Discovery test unit mostly towed a bike rack while it was fully loaded with gear and it travelled up and down the steep Sir Lowrys pass on a daily basis. Make of that what you will, but the D300 R-Dynamic SE is likely to produce similar efficiency numbers to its predecessor, while offering more power and torque and much better driveability by comparison.

Price and after-sales support

The Land Rover Discovery D300 R-Dynamic SE retails for R1 623 180 (November 2021) and comes with a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty and maintenance plan.

Get a quote / Request a test drive

Verdict

It’s now an expensive proposition, but the Land Rover Discovery still represents one of the most luxurious ways to go off-road.

The updates to the new Land Rover Discovery push it further up the premium ladder as it tries to make a case for itself above its Defender sibling. It’s a more comfortable cruiser than the latter, easier to drive in the city and certainly more luxurious inside. Its exterior look isn’t quite as desirable as that of the Defender and the offset rear number plate design still looks a trifle strange to most eyes.

Meanwhile, the new D300 straight-six turbodiesel engine represents a welcome performance upgrade and provides equal – if not a little better – performance than the motors in the Discovery’s German rivals. With diesel engine technology unlikely to develop significantly during the next decade, this could remain the status quo for some time to come, which gives Land Rover a slight edge.

If you’re wearing your sensible cap and looking for a large family car that executes everything from on-road journeys to off-road excursions in a more comfortable, connected and practical manner than any other offering in the premium SUV category, you are likely to end up with a Land Rover Discovery every time. It’s an expensive proposition, but it lacks for absolutely nothing.

Isuzu releases D-Max X-Rider LTD

With the introduction of the 7th-generation D-Max mere months away, Isuzu Motors SA has released a trio of X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives of its current (8-year-old) bakkie, of which only 210 individually numbered units will be produced.

Following a R1.2-billion to upgrade its Struandale production facilities in Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) in 2019 and a delay of about a year owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Isuzu will finally launch its all-new D-Max range in South Africa in March 2022.

But, before then, Isuzu will avail the X-Rider Limited Edition in 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5-speed manual, 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5 speed Auto and 3.0 X-Rider LTD 4×2 6 Speed Auto guises.

First introduced in 2016 as a special value model in the then KB range, the X-Rider became a permanent fixture of the Isuzu model line-up in Mzansi as well as in other African markets. Although the 6th-gen D-Max is a, well, seasoned campaigner in the market, Isuzu’s bakkie range has continued to sell well based on its solid value proposition and enviable reputation for durability and reliability.

From a South African market perspective, the D-Max is 8 years old, and it may surprise some readers to know it’s 2 years younger than the outgoing Ford Ranger! Incidentally, the Japanese marque sold less than 100 units than Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa in November.

ICYMI: New Ford Ranger officially revealed

X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives are distinguished by exclusive features such as blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, X-Rider Edition Limited-branded sports hoop and tailgate, a branded carpet set, as well as a standard load box roller-shutter.

“The X-Rider Limited Edition is a celebration of the success we’ve had with the 6th-generation D-Max (and) a vehicle that true Isuzu fans will be proud to own and keep as part of their garage,” Craig Uren, Isuzu Motors SA’s senior vice president of sales and marketing said this week.

“(It’s) the most robust and well-built example of the D-Max to date. This is a vehicle which will last a lifetime,” Dominic Rimmer, the firm’s senior vice president of technical operations, added.

The 250 HO versions are powered by the proven 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 100 kW at 3400 rpm and 320 Nm from 1800 to 2800 rpm. The 300’s 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor, in turn, delivers 130 kW at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm from 1800 to 2800 rpm.

The claimed combined cycle fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre derivatives is 7.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km for the manual, Isuzu Motors SA claims. The 3.0-litre version’s combined cycle fuel consumption is said to be 7.5 L/100 km with CO2 emissions of 198 g/km.

All Isuzu D-Max derivatives come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.

Prices for the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Limited Edition

250 HO D/C X-Rider LTD 4×2 M/T	R552 400
250 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 A/T	R572 100
300 X-Rider LTD 4×2 A/T	R624 400

Mahindra Pik Up reduces manual labour

Mahindra has added more automatic transmissions to its popular Pik Up models. It’s now the cheapest double cab auto you can buy in SA.

Indian brand Mahindra has made healthy ground in the local market, mostly selling hard-working, rugged vehicles with the exception of the KUV100 and XUV300 small SUVs.

Sales have gone so well that the brand has crept into the top 10 selling brands in SA for November 2021 and will now offer more choice to buyers looking at an affordable double cab bakkie.

After the success of the S11 Automatic and S11 Automatic Karoo models, Mahindra has added the same auto option the S6 4×4 and 4×2 versions. The difference between S6 and S11 comes down to spec where the S11 caters more towards the lifestyle buyer with amenities such as on-board navigation, rear park distance control, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, climate control and auto on/off lights.

Both the S6 and S11 automatics use the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine producing 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption is slightly higher for the autos than the manual – 9.3L/100 km vs 7.9L/100 km for the manual. The 80-litre fuel tank will do just over 800 km if you’re able to match the claimed consumption figure, where the manual will do more than 1 000 km per tank.

The S6 automatic Karoo derivative adds a little more comfort and style to the standard S6 range with alloy wheels, nudge bar, rear styling bar and a tonneau cover. Further to this Karooo models get colour-coded wheel arch mouldings and rain deflectors fitted to the doors.

Mahindra Pik Up Pricing (December 2021)

Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×2 S6 AT Standard – R378 999

Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×4 S6 AT Standard – R412 499

Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×2 S6 AT Karoo Edition – R394 999

Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×4 S6 AT Karoo Edition – R424 999

Maybach meets Geländewagen

Maybach is promising a luxury coupe for going anywhere.

Mercedes-Benz’s latest concept is part luxury coupe, part off-road touring vehicle.

Dubbed the Project Maybach, it looks toward the future of luxury motoring for Mercedes-Benz. All-terrain luxury motoring.

The Project Maybach is an electric vehicle play on the theme of raised ride height coupes, with true off-road touring ability.

Overall design proportions are imposing, with large flat surface areas and very few curves. This is offset by the round head and taillights, including a set of spotlights, at the front.

Project Maybach features a powerful shoulder line, that runs straight and uninterrupted front to rear. The side profile shows off its length and off-road tyres, designed to provide floatation and traction, across challenging terrain. And yes: those are steel wheels, finished in sand beige.

Much of the graphic design detail, including Project Maybach’s radical cabin architecture, was the work of Vigil Abloh – the iconic fashion designer who passed this week.

Inside this Maybach you’ll find two seats, with the passenger pew capable of folding flat, to serve as a storage or sleeping surface. The sand beige colour theme continues inside and the switchgear appears minimalist, although not wholly digitized.

At the edge of Project Maybach’s dashboard, where it meets the door panelling, there are two additional integrated storage cases at either side of the cabin.

The vehicle’s heavy-duty steel roof rack, framed by another series of spotlights, is where most of the spillover luggage, or spares, are supposed to go.

Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed any ba t tery or power output specification for Project Maybach. Nor has it divulged the suspension system or ground clearance. But it does look terrifically capable, rolling those huge all-terrain tyres and finished in a colourway that would not appear out of place on a Gelandenwagen.

5 things your mechanic wishes you knew

A mechanic at your local independent- or franchised workshop must ensure that your car is in tip-top shape after they’ve worked on it. They don’t expect you to know the difference between your vehicle’s timing chain and turbocharger, but there are some things that they WISH you knew…

PARTNERED CONTENT

These days, cars are complicated machines that are manufactured to extremely fine tolerances. It is, therefore, imperative that vehicles are serviced and repaired in line with manufacturer guidelines to ensure they continue operating optimally for many years. Most drivers understand very little about cars’ mechanical aspects, but that’s okay, because they usually rely on the services of trained professionals who make a living out of diagnosing and fixing vehicular problems. However, as an owner, you can reduce the likelihood of incurring major vehicle repair bills simply by being mindful of a few things…

1. Be aware of your vehicle maintenance schedule

Prevention is better than cure. One of the biggest issues is that vehicle owners don’t understand the need for maintenance – or the costs involved. Modern vehicles need to be serviced every 10 000 to 15 000 km – or once a year. These intervals will be indicated in the owner’s handbook and, in more sophisticated cars, when a specific warning light (usually an amber one) illuminates on the instrument panel.

What’s more, in between services, an astute car owner should check the basic fluid levels of their car (engine oil, brake fluid and coolant) habitually, such as before they undertake a long trip or when they have their vehicle’s fuel tanks topped up. Again, the owner’s handbook will explain how to perform those checks, but the personnel at your local fuel station should be able to assist you with that too.

2. Take note of lights and instrument cluster messages

It’s foolish to disregard service lights and cluster messages, yet many motorists still do exactly that. There is a very important reason why manufacturers equip their vehicles with those tell-tale indicators…

Ignoring the light can lead to expended parts (which are no longer operating as they should) doing further damage to other serviceable parts, which may lead to greater expenses in future. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll end up stuck on the side of the road – but even if things don’t get that bad, you’ll probably pay more than you would have had to because of additional problems that may be created.

As a rule of thumb, if the engine or warning lights are flashing (especially if they are red in colour, that’s invariably a bad sign) consider it an emergency and stop driving your car immediately.

Read: Understanding Dashboard Warning lights

3. Never skip a service

Just because your vehicle is running well doesn’t mean you can skip a service. Regular servicing gives technicians an opportunity to pick up minor defects before they become major problems.

Services are all different and focus on different parts (some of which are classified as minor, but others as major), which is why it is important to stick to the recommended servicing schedule.

4. Cheapest isn’t best

As with anything in life, you get what you pay for (at least, that’s how it’s supposed to be!). Qualified vehicle repairers have made large investments in training and tools to ensure that they are adequately equipped and knowledgeable enough to service or repair your car in line with manufacturers recommendations… and this comes at a cost if your car does not have a service or maintenance plan.

5. Have your car’s oil changed timeously

The oil is the lifeblood of your engine and using the incorrect oil or a cheaper brand can cause major problems for your car, such as excessive wear of the motor’s internal components (also known as its moving parts). This may lead to sluggish performance at best and a catastrophic failure/seizure at worst. It’s worth paying a bit extra to ensure quality oil; it may improve the longevity of your car’s engine.

Browse the motus.cars range of quality, Motus-certified new, used and demo crossover vehicles for sale here.

If you would like to get your car valued as a trade-in, why not book a test drive, or enquire about your new dream car on motus.cars and get your current car valued at the same time!

Make use of free tools available to further help you decide what the best vehicle finance option is for you. Use these simple affordability and finance calculators to help you determine what you can afford and what finance option will be best for your needs.

Visit motus.cars for more info, or join the conversation on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

New Car Sales in SA for November 2021

Take a look at new car sales in South Africa for November 2021 as released by naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.

November was a challenging month for car sales with multiple bouts of loadshedding affecting the manufacturers and persistent Covid19 challenges. The new vehicle market showed resilience and continued to show positive growth over the last 12 months.

A strong showing from the rental companies, which are stocking up in hope of a tourism uptick over the December period accounted for some 15.6% of passenger car sales.

New Car Sales in SA for November 2021

Aggregate new vehicle sales of 41 588 units up by 6.6% (+2 573 units) compared to November 2020.
New passenger car sales of 27 828 units up by 9.4% (+2 406 units) compared to November 2020.
LCV sales of 11 156 units down by 0.8% (-90 units) compared to November 2020.
Export sales of 19 548 units down by 42.2% (-14 277 units) compared to November 2020.

Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa

Toyota – 11 892 units
Volkswagen – 5 498 units
Suzuki – 3 082 units
Hyundai – 2 869 units
Nissan – 2 328 units
Ford – 2 245 units
Isuzu – 2 157 units
Kia – 2 062 units
Haval – 1 730 units
Mahindra – 825 units

New Car Sales Outlook

Courtesy of naamsa – Despite several challenges during the month, including the first interest rate hike in three years, sustained load-shedding, and a new Omicron Covid-19 variant that has sparked global alarm, the new vehicle market continued to show resilience on its gradual recovery path during the month. The rental companies supported passenger car sales over recent months, but the travel bans imposed on South Africa due to the Omicron variant could unfortunately once again negate the support received by the market via this channel. With the added inflationary pressures of the record-high fuel prices and prospects of further interest rate increases,

businesses and consumers will undoubtedly remain under financial pressure. The November ABSA Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reflected a more than 5-point decline for the index measuring expected business conditions highlighting that the economy remains fragile as the pace of economic recovery is expected to slow down substantially in 2022. Vehicle exports continued their five-month downward trajectory in line with the ongoing Covid-19 related supply chain disruptions impacting on vehicle production and exports as well as the impact of a severe Covid-19 fourth wave in parts of Europe, a key export market for domestic vehicle manufacturers. Prospects over the short to medium term, however, remain positive as vehicle exports are anticipated to benefit from various new model introductions by major vehicle exporters in 2021 and 2022 as well as increased demand linked to the favourable economic conditions abroad.

Volkswagen Reveals its Cars for 2022

Volkswagen South Africa is ready to launch some hot product in 2022. Here’s what you can expect from SA’s best-selling passenger car brand.

Q1 2022

Polo facelift and Polo GTI

The Polo is the heart of the passenger car market locally. It spawned the Polo Vivo and together they are assembled locally for the export market as well as local consumption.

Visually, you’ll be able to spot the newcomer with its revised design. There’s a new front end, complete with redesigned headlights featuring LED technology, like the lightbar that stretches inwards from the lights to the badge. The rear gets a completely new look too.

New Caddy

The Caddy is built on Volkswagen’s highly scalable MQB platform and rather than re-designing the wheel for its new Caddy, Volkswagen’s design approach is more evolutionary. The face of the new Caddy and the grille in particular is much slimmer than before with newly-designed LED headlights and a honeycomb mesh design for the lower grille completing the front-end design.

Q2 2022

Golf 8 R

The newcomer – officially the fastest, most powerful series-production Golf to date – is powered by a 235 kW/420 Nm “Evo 4” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol and is said to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 sec courtesy of its revised Haldex-type all-wheel-drive system.

Tiguan R

As the demand for performance SUVs continues to grow, Volkswagen has bolted all of its R department’s go faster bits to its facelifted family car – the Tiguan. Has the overhaul gone awry, or is it just the right amount of crazy for your compact people-carrier?

Tiguan Allspace Facelift

The Tiguan is VW’s best-selling car globally, a very important model to say the least. The Allspace variant carries 2 more passengers in the rear, allowing both your kids to now bring friends on holiday if that’s your scene.

New Taigo

The Spanish-built VW Taigo is based on the Brazil-built VW Nivus and differentiates itself from Volkswagen’s T-Cross with a stylish coupe-like silhouette. It stands 4 600 mm long, 1 700 mm wide and 1 490 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm.

T-Roc facelift

This latest round of updates has come quite quickly in the product’s lifecycle, with just two years separating its official reveal back at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, but given Volkswagen rationalisation and streamlining of its portfolio, it should not come as much of a surprise.

Q4 2022

New Polo Sedan

Volkswagen has released design sketches for a new compact sedan. The global market for 4-door vehicles with a boot might be shrinking, but there are places where people still prefer the sedan configuration.

Special mention

Amarok

VW SA will confirm the arrival of the new Amarok early in the new year, but expect it to follow the launch of the Ford Ranger quite closely. If you haven’t yet seen what the Ranger looks like read our story here. It’s important as the new Amarok will be built in SA by Ford SA in Pretoria and closely based on said Ranger.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2021) Launch Review

As a model, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe may still be difficult to comprehend, but it’s here – in 2nd-generation guise – so we’ll just have to live with its strange designation. We sent Calvin Fisher to Gauteng to drive the newcomer at its local launch, where he duly put the M440i xDrive through its paces.

What is a 4 Series Gran Coupe?

Remember when BMW split the 3- and 4 Series? Odd numbers for sedans, even numbers for coupes – most of us got on board with that, well, eventually. But then they took the coupe and added back its rear doors, and thus the 4 Series Gran Coupe was born. I’m at the ‘wheel of that car, but, the new one (the 2nd iteration of the 5-door sedan coupe). And, I now know why this car is so important to BMW…

The 4-door coupe is back on our roads and there are 3 versions to choose from: the 320i, 320d and M440i xDrive.

You see, right now in Mzansi, Gran Coupe (GC) derivatives make up 50% of all 4 Series sales. That’s half (I see why you write words and not do sums – ed). Sure, the cynic in me wonders whether those buyers wouldn’t have been happy in a 3 Series then, but customers want what customers want and BMW is happy to give it to them. As for me, I enjoy the svelte profile and, as a father of three, appreciate that practicality has been restored to some extent. And then there are the visuals. The 4 Series GC benefits from a lower centre of gravity, is wider, longer and looks arguably meaner than its predecessor.

It comes in three derivatives: a 320i (a 135 kW/300 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol), 320d (a 140 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel) and then the one I’m sitting in – the flagship version, which is propelled by a 3.0-litre (twin-scroll) turbocharged inline-6 in combination with xDrive all-wheel drive. Yes, it’s the BMW M440i xDrive and I’ll get straight to the point and say that this one churns out more power than the other two combined.

With peak outputs of 285 kW and 500 Nm, and mated with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (which is standard across the 4 Series GC range), the M440i xDrive’s motor is said to catapult the top-of-the-range derivative from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.7 seconds. That’s not M car quick, I admit, but it is right on the money for a “40i” designated car… and that’s kind of the point I’m trying to make here.

Similar to how the 4 Series GC’s styling is a perfect compromise between coupe and sedan, the performance is also a delicate dance between all-out ferocity and everyday usability. A car with turbo-boosted agility, but also ISOfix points to accommodate multiple baby seats. And a hatchback that will swallow the detritus of family life, plus a bicycle and surfboard too. But huddle closer and I’ll tell you how it goes.

What’s the 4 Series Gran Coupe like to drive?

The 4 Series GC makes a case for a slightly more practical 3 Series with its hatchback rear opening.

Slip into the leather-trimmed cocoon and you’ll encounter a very well-appointed cockpit, loaded with oodles of standard features. It’s all there. I thumb the start button to fire up the Bimmer’s powerplant, shift the transmission lever into Drive and immediately select Sport mode. It’s a must, especially when you’re about to embark on a 400-km road trip through the Valley of 1000 Hills and beyond. But, to reach those evocative flowing roads, you first have to traverse rather pockmarked rural roads, so I temporarily reverted to the default Comfort mode for the more arduous section of our journey. But soon enough, we were able to point the M440i xDrive’s curvaceous bonnet along some pristine sweeps and bends – that was when I re-selected Sport mode and gave that sweet Bavarian six an opportunity to sing.

And singing sonorously is what an inline-6-engined BMW does best. And you don’t need an M car to appreciate this, thanks to the Bavarian brand’s legacy of producing full-bodied, throaty and, of course, potent straight-six motors. Here, boosted to the heavens, the M440i xDrive’s heart revved cleanly and with enthusiasm, the cogs swapped just so by the Steptronic ‘box.

And yet, the secret to a driver’s car resides in its helm. A communicative steering setup, one that imparts sufficient feel and feedback through the ‘wheel (as to what the front wheels are getting up to), is paramount when carving up apexes, not to mention keeping a driving enthusiast engaged. Even with power being sent to all four wheels, the M440i xDrive feels agile – plus, when the road surface affords less than ideal purchase, the muscular Bimmer is unquestionably aided by that extra mechanical grip afforded by xDrive, which allows you to get on the power earlier (and flatters less experienced pilots).

I know. Yes, I KNOW there’s a helluva lot of tech in here, but this is no Playstation, you’re still very much at the centre pulling the levers and making it dance. And you’re wearing a big grin while doing so.

Summary

The M440i engine seems to offer more than sufficient performance. Do you really need to fork that much more for an M car?

You already know how this works, buy the 420i if you’re just after the model’s aesthetics. Buy the 420d for the same reasons, but if you want to visit the fuel station forecourts less often (that extra whack of torque is welcome too). Spice either up with the M-Sport kit if you favour show over go but, the chasm of performance between these and the M440i xDrive is enough to park an M3 or M4 in. Sideways.

There’s such an exhilarating drive to be had here, and better still, you can approach the 4 Series Gran Coupe flagship’s limits without fear of exceeding your own. No really, that’s how most of us feel when at the wheel of an M car. They goad you into making mad decisions, drain your bank account of your disposable income (first to buy it/pay it off, insure it and then to keep it properly tyred and fed with fuel) and then there’s living with a car that terrifies you. Who wouldn’t seriously consider having 80% of the performance at 60% of the price? And in this shape, you even have a massive hatchback to, um, boot.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Pricing:

BMW 420i	R930 000
BMW 420d	R980 000
BMW M440i xDrive	R1 300 000

All prices include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan from BMW SA (Motorplan).

Lexus UX 250h F Sport (2021) Specs & Price

Lexus has added a new range-topping UX 250h F Sport derivative to its all-hybrid UX luxury compact crossover range. See specification and pricing details below…

Following on from the local arrival of the UX luxury compact crossover in 2019 and the introduction of an entry-level UX 250h EX in 2020, Lexus now welcomes a new range-topping UX 250h F Sport to South Africa.

The newcomer differentiates itself with a unique vertical mesh pattern with L-shaped pieces that make up the familiar spindle grille as well as sporty front and rear bumpers and large fog lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome mouldings. Stylish 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Buyers have the choice of 9 colours but White Nova and Poseidon Blue are exclusively available for this new sporty derivative. As for the interior, customers can choose between Flare Red, White and F Black. Supportive front sports seats are fitted as well as a leather-wrapped F Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and an 8-inch TFT colour display. More so, the digitally-rendered instrument cluster features a movable virtual ring that takes inspiration from the LFA supercar.

How much power does the Lexus UX 250h F Sport have?

Performance and efficiency in one neat package.

The UX F Sport is powered by a self-charging hybrid powertrain that comprises an electric motor with a 2.0-litre engine to deliver total outputs of 135 Nm and 180 Nm and mated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Lexus claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100km.

As part of the F Sport package, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is fitted with specific springs, stabiliser bars and a rear performance damper to enhance handling and dynamic performance.

As far as safety is concerned, the UX 250h F Sport is fitted with no less than 8 airbags as well Lexus Safety System which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-crash system, blind-spot monitor, lane keep assist with lane departure alert with steering assist and LED adaptive high-bean system.

How much does the Lexus UX250h F Sport cost in South Africa?

UX 250h EX – R745 100

UX 250h SE – R824 000

UX 250h F Sport – R874 800

The Lexus UX is sold with a 7-year/105 000km warranty and 8-year/195 000 Hybrid battery km warranty as well as a 7-year/105 000km maintenance plan.

Buy a used Lexus UX on Cars.co.za

BMW Concept XM Previews High-Performance Hybrid SUV

This outrageous-looking concept is the BMW Concept XM and it will be coming to life in 2022. Here’s what we know so far.

The last time BMW M made a standalone vehicle, it was the M1 and it was in 1978. It marked the debut of many things, like a mid-engined setup and back then, 201 kW and 329 Nm from a 3.5-litre straight-6 motor made it a bona-fide supercar.

More than 40 years later comes the second standalone BMW M product. Meet the BMW Concept XM, a high-performance hybrid V8 SUV. The claimed engine outputs are jaw-dropping: 551 kW and 1 000 Nm plus, the ability to travel a theoretical range of up to 48 km on pure electric power.

Right now there are no details like the size of the engine or battery pack or even performance details, but given that it is an M product, we reckon that it’ll hit 100 kph in under 4 seconds with ease.

The big question marks here are with regards to the styling. Car design is an entirely subjective affair; one person’s art is another’s trash, and we’ve given BMW some leeway in the past for penning some controversial and polarising designs. Think of that bold grille seen on the current generation of BMW M3 and the overall craziness that is the BMW iX. This, however, looks like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie.

There is a large grille of course, with the two kidney grilles on full display, but its the slim LED-style headlights that are split that have us bewildered. Inside, the cabin is just as wild as the exterior with a driver-orientated setup with some great-looking brown leather trim. On the dashboard, it looks like the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8 is on offer.

When will the BMW Concept XM go into production?

The BMW Concept XM will be turned into a production version at some point in 2022. We hope that these claimed outputs of this concept will become a reality, making it one of the fastest and cleanest performance SUVs around.

Land Rover Discovery (2021) Review

The Land Rover Discovery’s biggest competition has come from within its own stable in the form of the new Defender. Land Rover has, therefore, looked to further differentiate the 2 models by repositioning the Discovery as a more premium offering. We tested the new D300 R-Dynamic SE derivative.

Fast Facts:

Serious about buying?

Why the facelift?

How does the Discovery fare in terms of…

Price and after-sales support

Verdict

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Isuzu releases D-Max X-Rider LTD

With the introduction of the 7th-generation D-Max mere months away, Isuzu Motors SA has released a trio of X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives of its current (8-year-old) bakkie, of which only 210 individually numbered units will be produced.

Prices for the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Limited Edition

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Mahindra Pik Up reduces manual labour

Mahindra has added more automatic transmissions to its popular Pik Up models. It’s now the cheapest double cab auto you can buy in SA.

Mahindra Pik Up Pricing (December 2021)

Maybach meets Geländewagen

Maybach is promising a luxury coupe for going anywhere.

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5 things your mechanic wishes you knew

A mechanic at your local independent- or franchised workshop must ensure that your car is in tip-top shape after they’ve worked on it. They don’t expect you to know the difference between your vehicle’s timing chain and turbocharger, but there are some things that they WISH you knew…

1. Be aware of your vehicle maintenance schedule

2. Take note of lights and instrument cluster messages

3. Never skip a service

4. Cheapest isn’t best

5. Have your car’s oil changed timeously

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New Car Sales in SA for November 2021

Take a look at new car sales in South Africa for November 2021 as released by naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.

New Car Sales in SA for November 2021

Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa

New Car Sales Outlook

Volkswagen Reveals its Cars for 2022

Volkswagen South Africa is ready to launch some hot product in 2022. Here’s what you can expect from SA’s best-selling passenger car brand.

Q1 2022

Polo facelift and Polo GTI

New Caddy

Q2 2022

Golf 8 R

Tiguan R

Tiguan Allspace Facelift

New Taigo

T-Roc facelift

Q4 2022

New Polo Sedan

Special mention

Amarok

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2021) Launch Review

What is a 4 Series Gran Coupe?

What’s the 4 Series Gran Coupe like to drive?

Summary

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Pricing:

Related content:

Lexus UX 250h F Sport (2021) Specs & Price

Lexus has added a new range-topping UX 250h F Sport derivative to its all-hybrid UX luxury compact crossover range. See specification and pricing details below…

How much power does the Lexus UX 250h F Sport have?

How much does the Lexus UX250h F Sport cost in South Africa?

Related Content

BMW Concept XM Previews High-Performance Hybrid SUV

This outrageous-looking concept is the BMW Concept XM and it will be coming to life in 2022. Here’s what we know so far.

When will the BMW Concept XM go into production?

Further Reading