Having unveiled its range-topping iX M60 at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), BMW has further showcased an array of future technologies. For example, the idea that the colour of a car’s exterior finish could be changed instantly used to be a pipe dream, but not anymore…
Some of the innovations that the Bavarian brand unveiled, such as new My Mode iDrive settings and accompanying BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtracks/-scapes, will be made available on the brand’s i-models soon, but, the sci-fi-esque BMW iX Flow concept (featuring E Ink technology), which allows users to change the exterior colour of their vehicle at the push of a button, is certainly worth a closer look.
The colour-changing technology (developed by E Ink) is derived from eReader displays; the BMW iX Flow’s surface coating is made up of millions of microcapsules, each of which contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. When they’re stimulated by means of an electrical field, either the white or black pigments collect at the surface of the microcapsules, which is how the colour of the exterior finish can be transformed from white to black (and vice versa, of course).
The Bavarian brand says that generative design processes and laser-cutting technology were implemented to ensure that the multitude of precisely fitted “ePaper segments” conformed with the contours of the iX’s sheet metal and produced life-like variations of light and shadow.
Although the colour-changing technology seems several years away from being introduced in production cars, the technology itself is very energy-efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, for example, the electrophoretic technology needs no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant, BMW says – current only flows during the short colour changing phase.
BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink technology can only alternate its entire exterior between black and white at this stage (with a range of shades of grey in between), but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that, in future, a vehicle’s exterior finish could be manipulated to display themes and branding too, either on some of its exterior panels – or its entire bodywork.
There are some practical applications as well. BMW suggests drivers could choose a light surface on warm sunny days (white) and a heat-absorbing one (black) on cold days, for example.
“This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle’s fuel or electricity consumption,” the firm said. “In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.”
Meanwhile, the latest generation iDrive operating system in the iX already affords greater personalisation of the driving experience via its selectable My Modes. At CES 2022, BMW showcased new Expressive and Relax My Mode settings, through which future BMW customers will be afforded additional ways of adapting their vehicle settings to suit various “situations and moods”.
In the new My Mode Expressive, the appearance of the graphics on the BMW Curved Display is characterised by expressive colours and abstract patterns. In My Mode Relax, the focus is on wellness, harmony and relaxation, with a display inspired by natural landscapes.
Of course, all of the My Mode settings are accompanied by distinctive BMW IconicSounds Electric soundscapes, created in cooperation between the BMW Group and the Academy Award-winning film-score composer Hans Zimmer (pictured above). The electrified BMW M models also employ variations of the BMW IconicSounds Electric suite developed specifically for them.
BMW IconicSounds Electric generates driving sounds that reflect the specific performance characteristics of each of the modes. “In this way, the acoustic feedback to the movements of the accelerator becomes an elementary part of the driving experience,” BMW says. To put it another way, when you accelerate, the i-model will emit a specific audible tone, the intensity of which matches the pedal position.
BMW IconicSounds Electric will be available for the first time for the i4 in the first half of 2022 and for the iX in the second half of 2022, BMW said at the event.
Finally, the brand demonstrated also the in-car entertainment system of the future with My Mode Theatre, which is said to transform the rear of an i-model’s cabin into a private cinema lounge. When activated, a BMW Theatre Screen lowers from the headliner and rear occupants can operate the entertainment system via direct touch fields and touch panels in the doors.
The theatre screen is a 31-inch ultra-wide display in 32:9 format, with a display resolution of up to 8K. It operates in conjunction with surround sound audio, as well as 5G connectivity.
The BMW Group is working with Amazon to fully integrate the Fire TV experience within the Theatre Screen system to give rear passengers access to a wide variety of content so they can stream videos, listen to music, and watch downloaded programs, all while on the road, the firm said.
The BMW M5 Competition is one of the few remaining performance sedans in the new-vehicle market. With its existence threatened by rapid battery-electric cars (let alone tar-shredding SUVs), we wonder if this is the last ICE-powered M5 that we’ll ever see.
We like: Stupendous performance, excellent balance of pace and luxury, ease of use.
We don’t like: Ravenous appetite for unleaded, optional exhaust may be too loud for some, complex vehicle settings interface
M5. The iconic letter and number combination began the era of the sports sedan in 1984.
The M5 is one of BMW’s most iconic nameplates. Now in its 6th generation, the BMW M5 continues to follow the recipe of shoehorning a large-capacity petrol engine into an executive sedan to create a car that’s both formidable and relatively family-friendly. Recently, the BMW M5 Competition underwent an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), which is essentially an update to a product in the middle of its product cycle.
Changes to the BMW M5 Competition LCI ranged from some mild exterior updates to the more serious under-the-skin mechanical upgrades, such as the damper control system that BMW claims “will enhance ride comfort during high-speed highway driving as well as over bumps” and updated shock absorbers, which lifted from the BMW M8 Gran Coupé. There are also revisions to the BMW M Servotronic power steering setup. Inside, the updated BMW M5 gets a larger 12.3-inch-screen infotainment system that now features Android Auto and cloud-based navigation.
While there’s still strong demand for the BMW M5 (and its immediate rivals, such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Audi RS6 quattro), this segment’s growth aspirations have been curtailed somewhat by the popularity of high-performance premium SUVs produced by American, British, German and Italian premium brands. But, as stellar and in-demand as the BMW X5 M Competition is, its name doesn’t quite have as much pedigree as an M5, does it?
As far as rivals go, the performance sedan segment is on the decline with just a handful of models on offer. If the BMW M5 Competition isn’t your cup of tea, Mercedes-AMG offers up the E63 S that boasts a thundering biturbo V8 engine and plenty of luxurious touches. Audi doesn’t make a sedan version of the RS6 anymore, so you’ll have to settle for a station wagon or the 4-door coupé that is the RS7. For something just as ballistic, but quite different, look to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S. At this price point, a BMW M850i Gran Coupe offers most of the M5 Competition’s performance, for a bit less money and is prettier to look at, but it is not an out-and-out M car.
Red, with yellow brake callipers and a gloss-black grille… Have you ever seen a BMW sedan that looks this menacing?
Executive sedans tend to be conservatively styled, even the performance-oriented versions, but in this case, the paint job did all the talking. Finished in metallic Aventurine red, our BMW M5 Competition proved particularly eye-catching. This hue paired well with the 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon fibre-tipped exhausts, and dazzling daytime running lights.
As far as packaging goes, one of the first things you’ll realise about the BMW M5 Competition is its size. This is no small car and it tips the scales at just under 2 tonnes. An overall length of 5 metres will make you hesitate about those cramped parallel parking spots in town, but thanks to its excellent array of parking cameras and sensors, threading the M5 into those spots shouldn’t send your blood pressure soaring.
That lengthy shell translates into excellent rear legroom and despite its performance add-ons, this is still a BMW 5 Series at heart. That means it still possesses generous space for 4 adults, plus their luggage, although the 545-litre boot is on the smaller side of offerings in the segment.
Performance & Efficiency
The M5 Competition’s carbon-fibre engine cover is a work of art.
Onto the most important aspect of the BMW M5 Competition. With 460 kW and 750 Nm coming from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.3 seconds, the on-paper prospects are mouth-watering.
What we weren’t prepared for was the optional BMW M Performance exhaust, replete with carbon-fibre tips. They’re a far cry from the standard unit’s tailpipes, both in terms of appearance and noise output. A cold start will wake the neighbours, even if you fire up the M5 in its most docile setting; rev the engine at a standstill and the subsequent thunder cracks will probably get you some death stares from otherwise peace-loving folks. It’s gloriously rude and well worth ticking the additional R88 000 box on the options list.
Our first impression when driving to our straight-line testing location with every setting dialled back was just how comfortable the M5 was. Road noise from the big Pirelli tyres wasn’t intrusive – a trait that seems to affect most modern AMG offerings – and if there weren’t so many sporty touches in the cabin, you could be fooled into thinking you’re driving a standard BMW 5 Series. The illusion does not last long, however…
As you can see and hear, it’s not exactly subtle and that’s just how we think a BMW M5 Competition should be. There are various customisation options to adjust engine response, adaptive suspension setup and steering feel, plus you’re afforded 3 transmission settings. Do you prefer the ‘shifts to be seamlessly smooth, or do you want to feel jolts when the ‘box slams in successive cogs while the Bimmer charges towards the horizon? It’s up to you.
The M5 Competition offers a wide range of customisation in conjunction with the drive modes.
The best part is you can mine the drivetrain menu to customise the settings to your heart’s content and then program those shortcuts into the M1 and M2 buttons located on the steering wheel. Typically, M1 would place the engine and chassis into Sport, and M2 sets everything to their Sport and Sport Plus presets, with the stability control set to Sport too. It sounds complex, but it’s worth playing around for your perfect balance. Us? We’re all about that comfort life, with the engine set to Sport.
There are even track-specific modes, as well as the option to switch the M xDrive from 4-wheels to rear-wheel drive, but given we didn’t have access to an appropriate test facility at the time, we didn’t go near those settings.
The car’s happiest in full auto mode, but we did enjoy the tactile feel of the paddles located behind the steering wheel. The raucous artillery battery of an exhaust system also emits a pleasant noise each time you shift down.
The key takeaway here is performance accessibility. Never has it been easier to access liberty-endangering speeds with so little effort; the BMW M5 Competition is just that fast. What’s scarier still is you don’t need to be in the sportiest settings either. A simple overtaking manoeuvre on a motorway with half-throttle application can easily see you touching triple-figure speeds starting with 2… so you do have to be mindful when extending your “throttle foot”.
The M5 Competition utilises a torque-converter-type transmission, but we don’t miss its predecessor’s dual-clutch setup.
Ride & Handling
With this much outright performance on offer, you’d think the car would require 100% concentration all of the time, but the reality is the BMW M5 Competition is not going to be a handful unless you blatantly go looking for trouble.
The handling and pace of the M5 Competition are deeply impressive. It’s jaw-dropping how a car of this size and weight can traverse a tight and twisting section of tarmac without breaking a sweat. The key things here are the chassis, suspension setup and xDrive, which all combine to make it a wonderfully balanced offering. The steering wheel rim (like all performance BMWs) may be a touch too thick, but the rack’s light weighting and directness make up for it.
The xDrive deserves a special mention as it highlights just how far the all-wheel-drive system has come as far as driver engagement and engineering are concerned. By switching to xDrive Sport, the car sends a bit more power to the rear axle, so you still get that slight feeling that the rear is capable of breaking traction but, barring some foolish provocation, it’s highly unlikely to do so. By enabling a rear bias, there’s virtually no understeer and the result is a large sports sedan with a turn of agility that belies its almost two-tonne kerb weight.
You can, of course, make the M5 Competition purely rear-wheel driven, but past experience with the pre-facelift model a few years ago resulted in burnouts as the rear axle couldn’t cope with the sheer amount of power on tap. The marketing material calls it “drift mode”, we call it destroying a set of perfectly good tyres.
The M5 Competition we tested was additionally specified with a carbon-ceramic braking system.
The brakes are worth a mention, too. Our test unit came with the optional carbon ceramics which provided immense stopping power, bringing the M5 Competition to a halt far quicker than you’d expect.
Once you’re done carving up your favourite stretch of corners, you simply put everything back into Comfort and the M5 transforms into a quiet and refined German executive sedan.
Comfort features
These great-looking front sports seats offered massage, heating and cooling functions.
Everything thus far has been about how fast and loud the BMW M5 Competition is, which is all great, but ultimately, what makes this car (and the aforementioned E63 S and the RS6) so complete is its levels of comfort and luxury.
Step inside the cabin and you’ll be greeted by an overtly sporty theme about the place. The big red start engine button will catch your eye, as will the two M buttons on the steering wheel. The seats are an absolute joy as they’re not only some of the most comfortable and supportive in the business, but also happen to look like works of art by themselves. The glowing M logo in the headrest is a great touch.
The interior incorporates a number of updates introduced as part of the recent 5 Series facelift.
New for this model is a much larger infotainment screen, the introduction of Android Auto as well as over-the-air updates. In fact, during its tenure with us, the car received one such update and after a 30-minute installation process, the car boasted updates to the lane departure system, maps, front radar sensor and some Android Auto connectivity upgrades.
One of the highlights of the M5 Competition is its digital dashboard and the head-up display. It really looks the part, particularly when you’re in the sportiest of settings. Every bit of useful information is readily at hand. The cabin feels upmarket and expertly assembled and despite the age of our test unit, showed no sign of creaks or rattles.
At this price point and given that it is the flagship derivative in the 5 Series range, the M5 Competition comes with a full house of features. You can dip into the options list naturally and our test unit came with the potent Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the rorty M Performance exhaust, carbon-ceramic brakes and M-branded seat belts.
From the driver’s seat, the M5 Competition feels every bit the tech-laden performance sedan that it is.
How much does the BMW M5 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M5 Competition is available for R2 328 224 and is sold with a 2-year unlimited warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km service plan.
Verdict
Does the M5 Competition represent the high-water mark for the ICE-powered performance sedan? Yes, probably.
While we’re probably looking at the beginning of the end of the “super sports sedan” era, there’s no denying that right now we’re spoilt for choice. The German trio of the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Audi RS6/RS7 all offer twin-turbocharged V8 engines, are ludicrously quick yet have tech, space and comfort in abundance. All three are at the top of their game and all three are exceptional products.
With the F90-generation BMW M5 Competition, the Munich-based brand has addressed the issues of the earlier model, like its harsh ride and lack of character as far as the engine sound was concerned.
Should you buy one? If you have R2 million and are still chasing that exotic supercar dream, but are put off by the sacrifices like impractical packaging and awkward ingress/egress, then you should consider the BMW M5 Competition. Unlike most thoroughbred performance offerings, this is not a compromised one-trick pony.
The Bavarian offering will not only thrill with its devastating performance ability and enthral with its sheer sense of theatre, but it can effortlessly transport your family for a holiday across the country. Being able to perfectly balance supercar levels of performance with real-world daily-driven usability is why this car deserves a second look.
Subaru Forester (2022) Specs & Price Announced
The popular Subaru Forester has been given an update as its in the middle of its lifecycle. What’s changed and how much does it cost? Read on…
The Subaru Forester is the Japanese brand’s most popular product in Southern Africa. 2022 marks 30 years of Subaru’s presence in Southern Africa.
What’s New?
The 2022 Subaru Forester has received some major design changes at the front of the vehicle with a new bigger hexagonal grille and new-look headlights. These new lights feature LED bulbs, while the Forester Sport gains 6-bulb LED fog lamps.
The rest of the Forester receives enhanced finishes to the mirror caps, A and B-pillar covers and rear spoiler. For the Sport, the mirror caps are finished in a textured geometric material, while the Premium gets chrome and high gloss black treatment.
The new Forester gets 17-inch alloy wheels on the base spec, while the high-spec gets an 18-inch unit. Customers get a new Cascade Green Silicia colour as a choice, along with the already comprehensive palette. The Subaru Forester Sport gets a revised orange and black theme both inside and out.
Mechanical changes include a tweaked front suspension to improve steering responsiveness, reworked coil springs to enhance the ride quality and handling, while the noise/vibration/harshness levels are managed by the new aluminium engine mount brackets.
The Subaru X-Mode has been enhanced with updated Hill Descent Control, while the more advanced version of Subaru’s EyeSight makes its debut. As a reminder, this system covers the car’s Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
Also offered with EyeSight are three new technologies that employ active steering inputs:
Active Lane Centering works within the Adaptive Cruise Control function to ensures the vehicle remains in the centre of the lane. This reduces driver fatigue. When the system is active, the driver’s Multi-Function Display as well as the Information Display screen show the Active Tracking graphics, depicting the system at work.
Lane Departure Prevention assists in keeping the vehicle within the correct lane by actively steering back into the correct lane.
Autonomous Emergency Steering works as an accident prevention function and can steer the vehicle to avoid an accident, be it a pedestrian, another vehicle or a cyclist. Autonomous Emergency Steering sometimes works in conjunction with the Emergency braking function but can also work when the system deems emergency braking is not adequate to reduce the severity of a collision.
The Subaru Forester gains strengthened roof rails to allow for more cargo-carrying capacity as well as roof tents.
What’s on offer?
Subaru will be offering its 2022 Forester in a 4-model lineup. There are two engines on offer; 2.0 and a 2.5. Both engines are naturally-aspirated and are horizontally opposed in layout.
The 2.0-litre produces 115 kW and 196 Nm, while the 2.5-litre offers up 136 kW and 239 Nm. All Subaru Foresters feature CVTs and all-wheel drive.
How much does the updated Subaru Forester cost in South Africa?
The new Subaru Forester is sold with a 3 year/75 000km full Maintenance Plan as well as a 5 year/150 000km Warranty. These are extendable, with various plans available.
A test drive is a vital part of the car-buying process, but if you’re shopping for a used car, it’s even more important to make sure that your prospective purchase has no mechanical problems and that its functions and features are in good working order. We bring you 8 insider tips for that all-important test drive…
PARTNERED CONTENT
Once you have compiled a shortlist of cars that suit your budget and meet your requirements, it is time to conduct a test drive or two. Remember these tips when test driving a vehicle with motus.cars.
A salesperson will usually accompany you on a short test drive in the vicinity of the dealership, but it’s better to undertake a lengthier on-road evaluation (if you can) because it will allow you to “live” with the car for a bit longer. Ask to take the vehicle out for a 45-minute drive so that you can assess how easy the vehicle is to park and manoeuvre at low speed. You should drive it in town and on the freeway.
Ideally, take a friend or family member with you; they may pick up on things that you might miss. However, before you drive off, it is important to know what you might be liable to pay in the event you are involved in an accident during the test drive, such as the insurance excess.
Before you sign a test-drive agreement, make sure you read it to ensure you’re comfortable with all the conditions.
For a new car, the test drive will help you determine whether you like the driving feel and comfort of the vehicle… and whether it’s a practical fit for your specific needs.
A used car test drive is a bit different: you’re also looking for mechanical faults or other issues that may have arisen as a result of wear and tear or insufficient maintenance on the part of previous owners.
Herewith is an 8-point test drive checklist from motus.cars, supported by Motus Nissan (previously Imperial Nissan), to comprehensively consider every aspect of a prospective car purchase:
Test drive checklist:
Before you drive off, check whether the vehicle has exterior damage such as dents, chips or scratches. Make sure they are noted by the salesperson, or you could find yourself being held responsible for damage that occurred before you tested the vehicle. Should you want to make an offer to purchase at a later stage, that damage will need to be corrected or the cost of repairs factored into the asking price.
1. Engine and suspension
The car should run smoothly when accelerating, decelerating and travelling at a steady speed. Once the powertrain has warmed up, the water-temperature gauge reading should remain stable (about halfway between the cold and hot markers) – and the temperature warning light should stay off! Harsh rattling or knocking sounds may be signs of incorrect tuning or worn/faulty engine or suspension components.
2. Steering and brakes
The vehicle’s steering should be responsive with no vibration or “free play” on the ‘wheel. Ensure that the car stops smoothly, strongly and in a straight line when you press the brake pedal firmly.
3. Clutch and gears
If you’re test-driving an automatic car, check that the transmission changes gears smoothly and consistently (when you expect it to). In a manual vehicle, the shift action should be positive (the gear lever should notch precisely into its slots) and the clutch pedal must disengage/engage the car’s clutch progressively… in other words, the leftmost pedal should be easy to modulate once you’re used to it.
4. Comfort
Adjust the driver’s seat, steering-column rake/reach, as well as the positions of the rear-view and side mirrors to your preference before you start the test drive. Ensure you are completely comfortable behind the ‘wheel, with clear vision to the front and rear of the vehicle. Sit in all the seating positions. Check whether there is enough leg- and headroom for the intended occupants.
5. Switches
Locate and test the main switches, such as the wipers/washers, headlights, cruise control stalk/buttons (if applicable) and hazard lights.
6. Aircon and Technology
Turn on the aircon to ensure it works effectively. Try out all the tech features, such as the infotainment system, including Bluetooth audio streaming/telephony and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
7. Safety
Check that all seat belts are in working order and, if you have young children, take along car seats to test if they fit in the car with easily accessible anchor points and seat-belt buckles.
8. Space
Check the boot size or load-bay capacity to ensure that it would be able to accommodate any large items you will need to transport, such as golf clubs, prams or large suitcases.
More about motus.cars
It’s always advisable to buy a used car from a name you can trust. With motus.cars you can even book a test drive online. Simply click on the car you’re interested in, fill in the enquiry form and remember to tick the “book a test drive” box. Remember to take your valid driver’s licence along with you!
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 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.
Mercedes EQXX Concept Previews Merc’s Electric Future
The radical-looking Mercedes-Benz EQXX gives us a preview of what the German carmaker is planning for the future.
Mercedes-Benz EQXX Concept is said to be able to travel 1000 km on a single charge, which should satisfy the range-anxious. The secrets behind its phenomenal range is not a giant battery pack, but rather some impressive aerodynamics and weight saving.
The Germans could have always loaded a giant battery pack into the car, but this would increase the weight dramatically, and heaviness is a common factor associated with every non-ICE vehicle. The BMW iX for example weighs 2.3 tons. The Mercedes-Benz EQXX Concept tips the scales at 1 750 kg, which is deeply impressive for a big electric vehicle.
The 900-volt battery pack was developed in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz’s F1 team and has the same power rating of 100 kW, which is identical to the current EQS. Clever packaging and engineering have resulted in this pack being physically smaller by 50% and 30% lighter.
The roof features solar cells which add 25 km to the overall range, trick low-rolling-resistance tyres and an incredible aerodynamics drag coefficient rating of 0.17.
The engine is a single 150 kW motor that drives the rear wheels. It’s not going to be the fastest thing around, but pace was not Merc’s target here.
The cabin looks like something out of a futuristic movie, with an 8K screen stretching across the entire dashboard. The interior is assembled from sustainable materials, with the seats being made from cactus plants and some of the trim comes from mycelium mushroom vegan leather. The plastics used in the non-structural parts of the cabin are made from recycled plastic.
The Mercedes-Benz EQXX is a concept for now, but expect to see some of the technology from this vehicle make its way into future products from the German carmaker.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa will be launching an array of EQ electric vehicles in 2022.
The BMW iX M60 marks the debut of a pure electric BMW M sports activity vehicle. Boasting a large battery pack and a pair of electric motors, this is one quick electric family vehicle.
The BMW iX M60 was originally earmarked for an early January 2022 introduction at CES 2022, which is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association and hosted in Las Vegas. However, rising pandemic numbers saw a few exhibitors pull out, including BMW.
BMW instead chose to release some images accompanied by some specifications. With the claim of delivering ” a performance-focused take on all-electric driving pleasure,” the BMW iX M60 sits at the top of the iX range.
There are a pair of electric motors which combine to deliver over 440 kW. BMW claims the M60 is good for a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds – impressive for a bulky electric family vehicle.
It’s not just about straight-line shenanigans either, with a clever all-wheel-drive setup and sporty chassis ensure a dynamic drive is on offer.
There’s no mention of battery capacity, but it’s likely the M60 will have the larger 111.5-kWh battery pack from the iX xDrive50. A potential range of 482 km is possible, which is just shy of the xDrive50’s 550 km. BMW does claim 21.6 kWh per 100 kilometres as far as consumption is concerned.
Visually, the M60 can be spotted with its subtle M branding, blue M Performance brakes, sportier wheels wrapped in 22-inch rubber and a bold black M60 badge on the rear. The cabin gets a sporty look too. It’s an interesting look which has polarised the car community, but it is one of those cars that looks far better in the metal than on a screen. It’s not as radical as the BMW Concept XM, however.
At this stage, there’s no confirmation from BMW with regards to M60 availability locally, but seeing as the SA market just received the xDrive40 and xDrive50, we reckon it’ll be on the way before the end of 2022.
There is an innate thrill to the car-buying process; from choosing the make and model, to picking the colour, to signing on the dotted line. However, once you fully understand the extra charges that result from purchasing a vehicle, you can make a more considered decision about when the time’s right to buy a car.
PARTNERED CONTENT
It is easy to get wrapped up in the excitement while overlooking the true and total cost of owning a car. Investigating these costs, however, is important to making the best decision for both you and your wallet. Here are some tips from motus.cars to assist you in working out exactly what your new car will cost you in the long run:
1. Once-off costs
In addition to the actual price tag on the vehicle – there are often other once-off costs that you need to consider.
Service and maintenance plans
If the car you are purchasing does not come with a service or maintenance plan – you will also need to consider purchasing these. An upfront payment, which can be financed, will be required. These plans, however, do help to guarantee that your services (based on the plan), are covered and that should you have any issues with faulty parts in the car, you are not liable.
Factory fitted extras
Typically, when purchasing a new car, you will be given the price for the standard vehicle and then offered some factory fitted extras. These normally include options that will offer more comfort, enhanced style, or even technology and safety enhancements. Items like an automatic gearbox, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, navigational systems and new braking technology will all certainly add to your cars comfort and resale value, but they all come with extra price tags. Make sure you only chose optional extras that you really can afford.
2. Periodic costs
As much as we all would love everything on our cars to last forever – there will, unfortunately, be some periodic upkeep that will need to happen. Find out how much things like tyres, batteries and windscreen wiper blades for your chosen vehicle cost and budget for these.
If you have a maintenance and /or service plan – remember that these do come to an end and servicing costs will then fall into your periodic cost budget.
3. Monthly costs
Owning a car means monthly costs, these include:
Fuel
Even though the fuel price fluctuates each month, it is worth estimating what your fuel costs are going to be – this will make up the largest portion of money spent on running your car. To ensure that you can afford the car, calculating your fuel consumption will be beneficial.
Toll fees
Depending on the route you travel to school and work – you could very well be faced with a daily toll fee. Be sure to include these costs in your monthly budget.
Insurance
If your car is financed, you will not be able to take delivery of it unless it’s comprehensively insured. The finance facility that you use to secure the loan to buy your car may well offer you a quote, but you are not compelled to take it and can shop around for the best insurance deal.
Understanding these hidden costs will help you make a wise decision about the car you can afford. Use this handy calculator to work out the total cost of ownership on your dream vehicle.
Here are the Top 5 most-read car reviews published on Cars.co.za for 2021.
It’s been a busy year for the Cars.co.za test team and we have driven and evaluated almost every single new car that has been launched in South Africa in 2021.
It seems South Africans are madly in love with the Mercedes-Benz V300d. It not only looks fantastic in Hyacinth Red (as seen here) but it also offers strong performance with its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine thumping out an impressive 176 kW and 500 Nm, impressive numbers for a luxury people mover. The V300d doesn’t come cheap though with the range-topping V300d Exclusive currently priced at R1 799 060 before options.
The Haval Jolion rocked the local compact SUV market in 2021. It’s larger than its rivals and it’s packed with standard features that you would typically find on much more expensive cars. More so, it’s so well-priced that buyers have just about snapped up every Jolion that Haval put onto its showroom floors. It’s no surprise that the Jolion is now a common sight on South African roads.
The Kia Sonet is hugely impressive and it’s undoubtedly one of the best offerings in the compact family car segment. The manual Sonet EX represents excellent value-priced at just under R300k (R295 995) and it arguably has the best interior both in terms of styling and perceived build quality. If you are in the market for a well-sorted compact family car under R300k, the Kia Sonet should be on your shortlist.
The Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI was one of the most keenly anticipated models of 2021 and for the most part, it really does live up to all the hype. It’s a great all-rounder that delivers strong engine performance and convincing dynamic handling ability to keep the enthusiast entertained. The cabin of the new Golf 8 GTI is also thoroughly modern and well-equipped. There are of course a host of optional features for buyers to choose from too. The Golf 8 GTI is currently priced from R669 300.
The Toyota Fortuner is hugely popular in South Africa and it’s often the go-to choice for buyers that want a vehicle that’s spacious and practical but also capable of taking the family across any terrain. With its uprated engine, the Fortuner is stronger than ever and the latest updates have rounded off the Fortuner offering well. You can’t go wrong with a Fortuner!
What new car introductions were the most popular during 2021? Here are the Top 5 most-read launch reviews published on Cars.co.za for 2021.
It was a fairly busy year for car manufacturers as a wide range of new products came to market despite the ongoing global chip shortage and other supply delays.
Of all the new car launches that took place during 2021, which ones stood out and got the most attention on Cars.co.za? Here are the most-read launch reviews for 2021!
The new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 tops this list and demand for this vehicle is through the roof! Toyota, unfortunately, can’t supply the huge demand because of the semi-conductor chip shortage and if you order an LC 300 today, you will only get delivery in 2023, which is a great pity. Even so, the Land Cruiser 300 is a mightily impressive product from Toyota. Also be sure to watch our video below!
Another popular 2021 introduction was the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross which includes a hybrid powertrain in addition to the naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre petrol engine. The Corolla Cross joins a crowded compact family SUV segment but based on public reaction and initial uptake, there’s no doubt that the Corolla Cross’ popularity is on the rise.
Hyundai’s new Staria people mover replaces the outgoing H1 and brings fresh and futuristic design appeal to this segment. The Staria is offered in 3 trim levels to suit specific needs and is powered by Hyundai’s tried and tested 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 130 kW and 430 Nm. The best part? The Staria is very competitively priced!
Bakkies are big business in South Africa and Mazda’s new BT-50 wants to be part of the action. The new BT-50, which is based on the forthcoming Isuzu D-Max, boasts sophisticated exterior styling and a 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (a 1.9-litre turbodiesel is also available) that is far more punchy than its outputs suggest. In fact, the BT-50 is currently the second-fastest double-cab bakkie in South Africa.
Market appetite for an affordable compact crossover is surging and Renault’s new Kiger fits the bill to a tee. It’s currently the cheapest compact SUV you can buy in South Africa in either manual or automatic guise. The Kiger is also offered with 2 engine choices including a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm as well as a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 74 kW and 160 Nm.
Here are the Top 5 most-read articles published on Cars.co.za for 2021.
The Cars.co.za content team has published millions of words on Cars.co.za to keep you informed about all the latest car news, new car introductions, car reviews, consumer interest topics and market trends.
Here are the most-read articles published in 2021.
The Corolla Cross is one of the product highlights for 2021, not only because it’s built right here in South Africa but also because it’s a fairly well-sorted compact family car. Apart from its 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 103 kW and 173 Nm, the Corolla Cross is also offered as a hybrid with 90 kW and 140 Nm on offer. The Corolla Cross is already finding favour with local buyers and is currently one of the best-selling vehicles in its segment. No surprises here.
The new Ford Ranger, which will also be produced in South Africa at Ford’s upgraded Silverton production facility in Gauteng, is a highly anticipated new car introduction for 2022. When it was revealed, social media was set alight with mostly positive reaction to the forthcoming Ranger which will feature a more Americanised styling execution that draws from the F-150 and Maverick design. The new Ranger is expected to go on sale in South Africa in the last quarter of 2022.
The new Taigo compact crossover will reach South Africa in 2022 and will boast a stylish coupe-like silhouette. The new VW Taigo will be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with either 70 kW /175 Nm or 85 kW /200 Nm on tap while a range-topping 110 kW / 250 Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine will also find its way under the bonnet of the Taigo. Buyers will also have the choice between a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Volkswagen Polo remains one of South Africa’s most successful passenger cars and the updated Polo will look to build on that success. The Polo benefits from some styling updates inspired by the Golf 8 as well as significant in-car technology upgrades. Polo fans have lots to look forward to!
The updated Polo GTI is due after the introduction of the Polo in early 2022 and it will offer some more clout thanks to its uprated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine which now delivers 152 kW and 320 Nm of torque but oddly Volkswagen claims the same 6.5 seconds in the zero to 100 kph dash. Nonetheless, the updated Polo GTI gets a lowered suspension and electronic differential. An optional Sport Select suspension with adaptive dampers will also be offered.
