BMW X5 and X6 M price Increases

BMW has confirmed pricing and specs for its most potent SUVs.

The new X5 and X6 M high-performance SUVs combine the latest version of BMW’s 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, with advanced driver assistance technologies. And they won't come cheap to South African fans of the Munich motor brand.

Dominating the engineering specification of these new M-SUVs is the bi-turbo engine. Twin-scroll turbochargers ensure that lag is kept to a minimum and the 4.4-litre V8’s output numbers bear testament to BMW’s finest engineering.

Both the X5 and X6 M Competition models boost 460 kW and 750 Nm. With an active M-differential and BMW’s specifically calibrated xDrive system, these SUVs are incredibly fast, considering their size.

BMW claims 0-100 kph in only 3.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is the 0-200 kph acceleration in a mere 13.4 seconds. Top speed runs to a true 290 kph.

Compared to the previous X5 and X6 M variants, these new Competition edition models are 37 kW more powerful and run the benchmark 0-100 kph sprint nearly half a second quicker.

Balancing overall driving dynamics are electronically-controlled dampers, whilst the adaptive suspension has sophisticated active roll mitigation. Wheel sizes are also staggered, to ensured optimal grip, with the X5 and X6 M Competitions rolling 21-inch alloys up front and 22s at the rear. This curious wheel size combination is designed to work best with the all-wheel-drive system’s trick traction sensitivity and torque distribution.

Cabin highlights are the BMW live cockpit and head-up display, although pride of place goes to those dramatic M-Multifunction seats, featuring a contoured design and Merino upholstery inserts.

Reflecting the influence of a softening Rand, the X5 M Competition and its X6 sibling are more expensive than initial price projections foresaw.

In April BMW tabled prices of R2 400 000 for the X5 M Competition and R2 493 000 for its X6 version. Those have now ballooned to R2 605 900 and R2 702 200, as these high-performance SUVs arrive in South Africa.

Pricing

BMW X5 M Competition – R2 605 900

BMW X6 M Competition – R2 702 200

Updated Kia Picanto due in SA this year

A refreshed version of the Kia Picanto has been shown in Europe and is set to make its way to SA by the end of the year. So, what’s new?

As with most facelifts towards the end of a vehicle’s life, there are updates surrounding the interior, exterior, safety and engine lineup of this Picanto.

The exterior changes are mostly directed at the GT-Line and X-Line (crossover-styled) models, neither of which are confirmed for SA but are being considered. The Tiger Nose Grille comes with a chrome textured surround that makes it look a bit like a link in a chain. The headlights have been redesigned making the front end look much larger although exposing a lot of headlamp surface area to stone chips. The headlights also feature four-bulb LED daytime running lights.

The rear end also gets LED lights with a recognisable signature design. There are new front and rear bumpers too to visually differentiate the updated models from older models.

Ten paint variations are available for the exterior as well as 2 new alloy wheels designs – a 16-spoke 14-inch wheel and a two-tone diamond-cut 16-inch rim.

Interior

Much more upmarket interior, however European spec shown does have more features and luxuries than the local model will.

A new larger infotainment screen measure 8-inches, which is 1-inch up from the pre-facelift model. It features Bluetooth Multi-connection which allows more than one device to be paired to the car. One for mobile call use and the other for media streaming. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are also now fitted as standard.

Kia will also be introducing the UVO system which gives Picanto drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential parking. The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, enables owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Depending on country, users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications. Considering the extra cost this would incur, this connectivity might not be available in local models when they arrive.

The seats are available in either cloth or synthetic leather with a range of new upholstery textures that lift the presumed quality of the new cabin. Colour packs have also been added to the facelifted Picanto, these packs include: The Lime Pack features a black single-tone interior with lime contrast stitching and white seat bolsters, silver metal painted transmission and air vent surrounds, and silver-and-lime accents in the doors.

The Orange Pack features a black single-tone interior with orange stitching and cabin highlights, and black-and-orange door accents.

Red Pack models are finished in black upholstery with red seat bolsters, as well as gloss black highlights and red-and-black door accents.

The Green Pack offers green highlights throughout the cabin and silver-and-green door accents, as well as stylish denim-effect seat upholstery.

Engine updates

An automated manual is being added to the Picanto range for the first time.

The upgraded Picanto is available with three new petrol engines, each maximising efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. The engine line-up features a 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbopetrol) engine producing 74 kW, or a pair of naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre engines, producing 49 kW and 62 kW, respectively. Kia SA has not confirmed the local engine lineup yet, but it’s a reasonably safe bet to assume the naturally-aspirated models will be brought in. An AMT (automated manual) is also now available along with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety updates

The current Picanto model featured models that didn’t even have ABS as standard so the new host of safety features is a major upgrade for the entry Kia. SA models have not yet been specced, so we wait to see what makes it into the local lineup.

Advanced Driver Systems (ADAS) features a range of safety features that include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Lane Following Assist. Further to this it also has Vehicle Stability Management, Torque Vectoring, Cornering Brake Control and Straight-line Stability.

Special-Edition Toyota Corolla Hatch Previews Hotter Model

Toyota has revealed a striking and sportier version of its Corolla Hatchback and while its not the GR model we're wanting, its certainly a step in the right direction.

This is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition and it looks just fantastic. Right now, there'll be just 1 500 units for the American market and it'll reach showrooms shortly.

It features an aggressively sporty body kit, vibrant Supersonic Red paint as well as striking black 18-inch alloy wheels. It's quite remarkable to see Toyota venture far out of its typically conservative styling and offer such a radical-looking car. The press release makes mention of this and describes the vehicle as looking "like it just rolled out of a Southern California custom shop". The kit comprises a sporty front splitter, side skirts, black rear roof spoiler, a rear bumper garnish and a unique SpecialEdition badge.

The specification to this vehicle is deeply impressive as there are 10 airbags as well as Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. There's also Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM All Access satellite radio.

In terms of engine and transmission, the sporty Toyota Corolla Hatchback is powered by the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder motor which produces 126 kW and 205 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a Dynamic Shift CVT that features simulated gearshifts. Now you, like us, are probably thinking that's hardly sporty and you'd be right as this is mostly a cosmetic upgrade. What we will say is that in light of the Toyota Yaris GR engine being revealed, its not difficult to imagine such a powertrain being placed into this stylish body.

Toyota has all but confirmed the existence of the Corolla Hatch GR, with Toyota USA posting on social media that it will be getting a high-performance hatchback that is not a Yaris. Everyone knows the hardcore model of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is coming, it's just a question of when. Watch this space.

New BMW 4 Series with M Performance Parts

The new BMW 4 Series has finally been revealed and for buyers looking to beef-up the appearance of the new 4 Series coupe even further, refer to BMW’s M Performance Parts catalogue…

Coinciding with the launch of the new 4 Series, BMW is also offering M Performance Parts that will add a few dollops of extra road presence to your new 4 Series coupe.

Liberal use of carbon fibre goes a long way in upping the sportiness of the package and carbon fibre inserts can be found in the front air curtains and even the outer edges of the large-and-in-charge kidney grille are finished in carbon fibre. The front end is further defined by an aggressive front splitter while canards at either side of the front bumper round off the front view.

Carbon fibre mirror housings and side skirts are also fitted along with blacked-out decals seen on the doors. You will notice the red brake calipers which are offered as an option for the M Performance Braking system for the first time and come nicely paired with Y-spoke alloy wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

Moving to the rear, a carbon fibre spoiler is neatly placed atop the boot lid while a carbon fibre diffuser stands in contrast to the black lower section of the rear bumper.

The package is rounded off with darkened taillights, exhaust pipes and badge.

Inside, buyers can opt for the M Performance steering wheel finished in, you guessed it, carbon fibre, with a red 12 o’clock mark and carbon fibre shift paddles.

The model shown here is the range-topping M440i xDrive with mild-hybrid technology offering 275 kW and 500 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. Zero to 100 kph is claimed at 4.5 seconds.

Lesser derivatives include the 430i with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine with 190 kW and 400 Nm as well as a 420i with 135 kW and 300 Nm. The diesel-powered 420d will offer 141 kW and 400 Nm. All derivatives are mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Do you like the look of this new BMW 4 Series with M Performance Parts?

Buy a BMW 4 Series on Cars.co.za

2020 BMW 4 Series Goes Official

The all-new BMW 4 Series has finally been revealed. Let's take a look at what's on offer.

BMW has been desperate to differentiate the new 4 Series coupe from the 3 Series sedan. It's no longer the case of being simply a 2-door BMW 3 Series. The all-new G22 BMW 4 Series boasts radical styling in an attempt to break any relation to the sedan 3 Series. This design was first previewed in Concept 4 form, but that grille is the most polarising. The oversized kidney grilles are a massive talking point, but in BMW's defence, the market demands them. Apparently, the Chinese market loves that grille!

We're keen to see them in the flesh, but also it's great to see a manufacturer breaking away from traditional styling and BMW should be applauded for being bold and radical. The rest of the styling is sleek and those taillights are striking. Under the skin is the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) as all and the newcomer features a wheelbase 42 mm longer than that of its predecessor (2 851 mm). The BMW 4 Series is also slightly longer and wider, as well as being 57 mm lower, than the 3 Series. There's also a sportier suspension setup.

At the top of the range will be the M440i xDrive which boasts mild-hybrid technology. Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder which packs 275 kW from 5 500-6 500 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1 850-5 000 rpm. The M440i xDrive will be the fastest 4 Series with a claimed acceleration time of 4.5 seconds.

The 430i, meanwhile, adopts the latest version of BMW’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is tuned (as in the 330i) to deliver 190 kW between 5 000 rpm and 6 000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1 640 to 5 000 rpm, giving it 5 kW and 45 Nm more than the unit it replaces.

There'll also be a 420i with 135 kW/300 Nm as well as a diesel-powered 420d with 141 kW/400 Nm. This diesel powertrain is also available in xDrive. BMW says it will be offering more engines to the 4-Series portfolio from March 2021 and all models will be fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new BMW 4 Series will hit European markets from October 2020 and we'll be getting our units in the 4th quarter of 2020. We'll be getting the 420i, 420d and M440i xDrive.

BMW 4 Series Video

Hyundai showcases updated Santa Fe

Hyundai released its 4th-gen Santa Fe in South Africa as recently as the end of 2018, but the Korean version is preparing to roll out a majorly revised version of its 7-seater SUV.

Hyundai says the “redesigned” Santa Fe “goes beyond a mere facelift”. Although suggesting that the newcomer offers “more space, comfort, and convenience” than its (TM) predecessor, the Korean firm stopped short of confirming that it is underpinned by the new N3 platform, on which the Santa Fe’s Kia Sorento cousin (which was officially revealed online in March) is based. We believe it is, however.

The images also confirm what we’ve known since Hyundai teased the refreshed Santa Fe’s front-end design last week… The newcomer features an elaborate grille, which practically spans the width of the car, as well as characteristic T-shaped LED daytime running lights that sprout from the ends of the slim top lamps and “extend downwards” to bisect the headlamp clusters.

The Sante Fe looks even more rugged with black cladding; the Luxury spec adds 20-inch wheels and colour-coding.

Hyundai’s new Sensuous Sportiness design language (known for its “parametric dynamics”) is clearly toned down for the “redesigned” Santa Fe, but the signature geometric-patterned mesh of the grille and the inward-facing, Y-shaped, grey bumper inserts are nods to contemporary models from the Seoul-based firm.

The side profile is characterised by an unbroken shoulder line that connects the DRL to the tail-lights and the 7-seater SUV's wider wheel arches house 20-inch wheels. At the back, a slim illuminated bar connects the tail-light clusters and a wide rear reflector runs parallel to it. A grey skid plate and (ice) hockey-stick-shaped inserts, meanwhile, complement the side strips and front bumper accents.

Note how the shapes of the front bumper accents are mimicked by the tail-lamp clusters; they point outward, however.

Apart from facilitating a hybrid (including plug-in) powertrain, the N3 platform provides slightly more interior space in the Santa Fe by virtue of its longer wheelbase. Apart from the redesigned dashboard, the centre console has been raised; it features shift-by-wire transmission buttons, seat heating and cooling toggles and a pair of metal-look climate control adjustment barrels.

And, for the first time, the new Santa Fe comes with a Terrain Mode selector that allows its drivers to conveniently switch between different drive modes. This feature includes unique modes for sand, snow and mud, as well as eco, sport, comfort and smart modes, the last of which automatically recognises the driving style and optimising the vehicle’s performance and all-wheel-drive settings.

The enlarged touchscreen infotainment screen complements the 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster.

Apart from adorning the cabin with swathes of leather and soft-touch surfaces, the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been replaced by a 10.25-inch unit with satnav, reverse-view camera display and diverse in-car entertainment and connectivity features. The new centre console layout is said to have freed up more storage space in the redesigned lower dashboard.

We'll bring you more details of the updated Santa Fe's ETA in the South African market as soon as more detail becomes available…

World’s oldest V8 finally retiring

One of the world’s most iconic engines is being retired.

Bentley has announced the last of its L-series V8s being assembled by hand, at Crewe. These final few L-Series V8 engines will power the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner.

This latest announcement by Bentley ends the world’s longest-serving V8 production engine. Very few rival luxury car brands can claim to have produced an engine with the longevity of Bentley’s L-Series.

As an engineering achievement, the L-Series engine is legendary. And deservedly so. It has been in production since 1959 when the original version was created as a replacement for Bentley’s inline-six engines.

Initially a 6.25-litre displacement V8, the L-Series became a 6.75-litre in the late 1960s, when the engine was stroked, increasing capacity. The engineering goal was to deliver more torque whilst increasing smoothness.

Bentley even built an experimental 7.5-litre version, as it explored ways of delivering more performance with less vibration and noise, for its customers. Big engines turning strong performance, at lower crankspeed, was the design logic.

For decades these 6.75-litre V8 engines powered Bentleys in the most discreet way possible. The company did not disclose exact engine outputs for many years, considering it to be ‘ungentlemanly’.

Despite its ageing block design, Bentley’s engineers managed to develop and modernise the L-Series 6.75-litre V8. Technical challenges aside, it gained turbocharging, electronic fuel injection and sophisticated valve-timing, without sacrificing its unique character and power delivery characteristics.

Perhaps the most amazingly enduring technical feature of the L-Series engine has been its ability to retain a pushrod valve gear configuration, into 2020.

The final 30 engines are notably potent. Peak power ranks at 395 kW, supported by 1 100 Nm of torque.

Ford Bronco will be a Defender Rival

We've seen many leaks, spy shots and renders of the Ford Bronco – a compact SUV that's aiming squarely at the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

Ford has been planning to revive its Bronco name for quite some time and the successor to the iconic off-roader was due for reveal earlier in 2020. Then COVID-19 came along and ruined everyone's plans.

The Blue Oval has big plans for the Bronco and has been working on both 4-door and 2-door models. It's being marketed as a compact body-on-frame SUV and will be more than capable when it comes to 4×4 activities. There'll be a 4-wheel drive system with low-range, independent front suspension, solid axle at the back as well as offroad modes.

What you see here is a 2-door Ford Bronco prototype that looks like it's running a short-wheelbase setup. This model would be aimed squarely at the likes of the Suzuki Jimny. The Jimny production can't keep pace with global demand and Ford will attempt to catch some of those clients who don't want to wait.

In terms of engines, the Ford Bronco is expected to offer a 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor with around 200 kW and 420 Nm, as well as a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 with 240 kW and 542 Nm. In terms of transmissions, Ford's 10-speed auto is likely to be on duty and rumours suggest a manual gearbox might be available.

As for South African availability, the key thing here is the production of a right-hand-drive model and at this stage it's not happening as "There are currently no plans in place for right-hand drive Bronco," Ford Australia president Kay Hart previously told carsales.com.au. There are a few right-hand-drive markets like Japan, United Kingdom and Australia, as well as South Africa. We'll keep our fingers crossed that Ford changes its mind.

The 4-door Ford Bronco leaked earlier in 2020.

2024 BMW M5 To Go Electric?

With emissions and efficiency regulations growing ever stricter, many worry about the future of high-performance petrol vehicles. The good news is many will adopt green tech and still deliver credible performance. Rumours suggest the next-generation BMW M5 will feature plug-in hybrid tech mated to a V8 petrol engine. Wait, it gets better as there are rumours of an all-electric BMW M5 in 2024 with 750 kW!

First and foremost, this electric BMW M5 is not going to be part of the recently-unveiled facelifted 5-Series range, but rather form part of the next-generation which is expected around 2023.

Car Magazine UK has shared some details of the 7th generation BMW M5 and we're excited. It appears there will be 2 versions, with the first adopting a plug-in hybrid strategy with a turbocharged petrol V8 motor and electric motors giving it an output of around 560 kW / 1000 Nm to all 4 wheels. This powertrain option is rumoured to be headed for the yet-to-be-revealed BMW X8.

The 2nd version is controversial as it will be an all-electric affair. The goals are a 0-100 kph time of 2.9 seconds and an electric range of 700 km on a single charge. Rumours suggest there'll be 2x 250 kW electric motors at the rear, with one 250 kW motor driving the front axle. In total, that's 750 kW or the magical 1000 hp mark. We know premium manufacturers will be pushing hard in this space and we'd bet that BMW has looked at how Porsche has engineered its Taycan electric sportscar.

While it's too early to even see prototypes on the road of this new electric BMW M5, we know BMW M is working on electrified performance vehicles as CEO Markus Flasch confirmed this on a social media livechat.

New boss for Isuzu SA

Hummer man now driving Isuzu.

With positive investment sentiment from the Japanese parent company, Isuzu’s South African operations are now properly capitalised and looking to expand. Initial spend for the D-Max totals R1.2bn and the third-generation D-Max is expected here early next year. The current Isuzu plant in the Eastern Cape is also gearing up to produce the new D-Max, which is why the new model will only see the light of day in 2021 in SA.

There has been a leadership change at Isuzu South Africa as Michael Sacke has decided to leave his position. Sacke was an experienced GM employee, having spent time in Detroit. Educated at NMU, he had guided Isuzu since its independence from GM, in 2017.

Replacing Sacke is Billy Tom, who also has strong Eastern Cape education roots, having studied at Rhodes. Tom is no newcomer to the automotive industry, having previously established the GM premium vehicle business in South Africa, which launched Cadillac and the locally-produced Hummer, back in the late 2000s.

Unlike the case with Cadillac and Hummer, which were deeply cyclical models completely inappropriate for a multi-generational South African lifecycle, Isuzu is a very stable business. It will be interesting to see what Billy Tom does with bakkies, as CEO of Isuzu.

Where Tom could be of particular value to Isuzu, is coping with the new demands of a post-Covid automotive retailing business and customer experience. Tom has worked in banking and the beverage industries and could bring new techniques and customer insights to the business of selling bakkies.

Isuzu has potential advantages in the simplification of its South African business: consisting of bakkies, SUVs and trucks. Without having to bother with compact cars, luxury sedans or high-performance vehicles, Isuzu could potentially scale its resources most efficiently, at being a pure gravel travel and logistics solution brand.

BMW X5 and X6 M price Increases

BMW has confirmed pricing and specs for its most potent SUVs.

Pricing

Related content

Updated Kia Picanto due in SA this year

A refreshed version of the Kia Picanto has been shown in Europe and is set to make its way to SA by the end of the year. So, what’s new?

Interior

Engine updates

Safety updates

Related content

Special-Edition Toyota Corolla Hatch Previews Hotter Model

Toyota has revealed a striking and sportier version of its Corolla Hatchback and while its not the GR model we're wanting, its certainly a step in the right direction.

Further Reading

New BMW 4 Series with M Performance Parts

The new BMW 4 Series has finally been revealed and for buyers looking to beef-up the appearance of the new 4 Series coupe even further, refer to BMW’s M Performance Parts catalogue…

Related Content

2020 BMW 4 Series Goes Official

The all-new BMW 4 Series has finally been revealed. Let's take a look at what's on offer.

BMW 4 Series Video

Further Reading

Hyundai showcases updated Santa Fe

Hyundai released its 4th-gen Santa Fe in South Africa as recently as the end of 2018, but the Korean version is preparing to roll out a majorly revised version of its 7-seater SUV.

Related content:

World’s oldest V8 finally retiring

One of the world’s most iconic engines is being retired.

Related content

Ford Bronco will be a Defender Rival

We've seen many leaks, spy shots and renders of the Ford Bronco – a compact SUV that's aiming squarely at the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler.

Further Reading

2024 BMW M5 To Go Electric?

Further Reading

New boss for Isuzu SA

Hummer man now driving Isuzu.

Related content