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
Lexus unveiled its newest medium-sized SUV model, the NX, and it is racked up with new technology and a sportier design.
What’s new?
This will be the first Lexus model to be fitted with the e-latch electronic door release system, which replaces the internal door handle with a push-button switch in the door panel. It will feature the Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit design.
Exterior:
The F Sport models, which is the top model in the NX range, emphasise the sheer aggressiveness and symphonic design on the new Lexus NX. At the front, it has a new grille design with dark chrome details to give it a sportier look. Almost 95 percent of all the parts on the body are new. The NX is available in eight colours, and the F Sport is available with two exclusive colours.
It sits on 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, which form part of the styling package on the Lexus NX F Sport. This Package includes three projector bi-beam LED headlamps as well as restyled front and rear bumper designs with larger side vents on the front bumper.
Interior:
The interior is race-inspired from the sport seats straight to the LFA-inspired instrument cluster. The F-Sport has unique trim finishes on the upholstery, alloy pedals, as well as a perforated leather steering wheel and gear shifter.
Technology:
The new NX features a voice assistant from a new Lexus multimedia platform. The voice assistant responds to natural voice commands making it possible to have a conversation with the car. It has a 14-inch digital display with high definition.
Performance:
The new NX is paired with two electric motors and a new lithium-ion battery pack. Lexus is making good on its promise for its models to be as carbon neutral as possible.
As a hybrid, it is also powered by 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a combined output of 179 kW. Alternatively, the engine in the NX 350h F Sport packs a bigger punch with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine pushing out 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The entry-level 2.5 is exclusive to the EX-range, whilst the 2.4 Turbo is available in the F Sport.
The NX range destined for South Africa will come standard with the motor-driven AWD E-Four system incorporated in the rear axle. The system improves the torque delivery on the rear wheels, giving it thrusting performance off the line.
Pricing:
Lexus NX 250 EX (R968 000), Lexus NX 350h EX (R1 000 100), Lexus NX 350h SE (R1 172 900), Lexus NX 350h F SPORT (R1 200 800) and the Lexus NX 350 F SPORT (R1 211 900).
All models are currently available at local dealers.
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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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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