BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Mercedes-Benz (MB) introduced two new model ranges, both SUVs, to its existing electric vehicle offering in South Africa.
What’s new?
Both new ranges will be the manufacturer’s first local venture into the SUV segment with battery-only operated electric vehicles.
MB EQE SUV:
The EQE SUV is the multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon and one of the most spacious representatives in its class.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC offers 215 kW and 756 Nm of torque with a claimed range of between 461 and 551 km.
The power source is an electric motor on the rear axle that is particularly powerful owing to its 6-phase operation: it has two windings with three phases each. To recuperate, the driver does not need to press the brake pedal – pure 1-pedal driving. Thanks to ECO Assist, the EQE SUV also decelerates automatically to a standstill when it detects vehicles ahead, for example at traffic lights.
"Serene Breeze" is the name of the new, fourth soundscape that makes its debut in the EQE SUV. It offers a relaxed and natural sound. With the holistic sound staging, the paradigm shift from combustion engine to electric car becomes audible for the occupants in the Mercedes-EQ models. A variety of soundscapes allow for an individual acoustic set-up. An optional interior driving sound is available. This adjusts adaptively to the driving style.
MB EQS SUV:
The second new addition to the electric SUV range is the MB EQS SUV with room for up to seven people.
The line-up will consist of two models, namely the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV and the EQS 450 4MATIC 7-seater SUV. Both models have two electric motors delivering 265 kW and 800 Nm of torque with a range of an estimated 616 km.
This SUV offers plenty of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers in its electric art, luxurious interior. Thanks to powerful electric motors, responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent OFFROAD driving mode, the EQS SUV is also capable of tackling light terrain with ease.
Because the second row of seats is electrically adjustable as standard, the luggage compartment can be expanded from 645 litres (for maximum legroom) to up to 880 litres. This means that even with five occupants, up to 24 crates of mineral water or four golf bags can be transported. With the second row of seats folded down, the luggage compartment offers a generous volume of up to 2 100 litres.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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