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 Cars South Africa (MBSA) is relentless in its onslaught to gain traction in the South African electric vehicle market with the launch of yet another fully electric vehicle locally.
The EQE is the fifth Mercedes-EQ model to be launched in South Africa following the successful introduction of the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS last year.
Just a few months after the South African launch of the EQS, the German manufacturer is already presenting the next Mercedes-EQ model based on the electric architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles, the new EQE.
The EQE is a sporty business saloon offering all the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format.
At market launch, the local model range initially comprises two variants: the EQE 350+ with 215 kW and 565 Nm, as well as the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC with 350 kW and 858 Nm. With a WLTP driving range of up to 645 km, the EQE offers customers the best of all worlds, reconciling innovation, emotion and sustainability. The AMG will be able to sustain a distance of 535 km.
The EQE 350+ with rear wheel drive, will be able to reach 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds while the Mercedes-AMG version with power going to the front as well as the back wheels, will reach it in only 4.2 seconds.
More details on the local Mercedes-EQE range will be announced later this month. Later this year, Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa will also introduce the EQE SUV and EQS SUV, bringing the local battery EV model range to a total of seven, the most extensive and varied offered by any manufacturer.
The EQE 350+ will be available in South Africa at an estimated price of R1,800,000 and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC at an estimated price of R2,200,000. This includes a PremiumDrive Platinum 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and a 10-year battery warranty. Final pricing will be confirmed later.
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
The Nissan Navara Warrior by Premcar has reached its first year on sale in South Africa, offering buyers a more capable, off-road-focused version of the standard Navara bakkie.
Salvador Caetano South Africa has launched the all-new JMC Vigus bakkie onto the local market, marking the brand's entry into the highly competitive South African one-tonne pickup segment with the new vehicle.
The refreshed Ford Ranger line-up for 2026 strengthens its position as one of South Africa’s most popular bakkies. Built at Silverton, the range now spans 23 derivatives across Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles.