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, known for its luxury and sporty presence, is continuing this trend with the new CLE Coupé. The new CLE Coupé uses the technology and innovation from both the C-Class and E-Class and as a result, having a well poised coupé.
What’s new?
Exterior:
The CLE has a newly designed three-dimensional radiator grille for that iconic look with a low-slung bonnet and LED headlights. The rear of the car has a two-part LED light design with new contours and 3D light clusters. The is the largest coupé in Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size segment as it offers more space than the C-Class Coupé.
The CLE sits on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard, and 18 – 19-inch wheels can also be specced on the car. The 19-inch wheels are available as standard with the AMG Line.
Interior:
The interior design is fully focused on the driver with the centre console being inclined by 6 degrees towards the driver’s seat. It has a free standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch central display screen.
The CLE has 64 ambient lighting colours to choose from. It has new front seats developed exclusively for the CLE and two speakers near the headrest. Mercedes-Benz says this creates an immersive music experience with the optional Burmester 3D sound system with a total of 17 speakers.
Technology:
The new CLE Coupé is equipped with a mountain of technology. The Keyless-Go comfort package is also available, which enables all vehicle doors to be opened and locked by simply touching the respective door handle. The grips are illuminated in the dark.
The CLE houses the latest MBUX infotainment system with new electronic architecture with fast 5G data transmission. With automated personalisation using artificial intelligence (AI). This will allow you to instal third-party apps such as TikTok, Zoom for video conferencing and many more.
Performance:
The range on engines includes four-cylinder units and a 3.0-litre straight 6 engine designated for the CLE 450 4MATIC delivering 280 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Both diesel and petrol engines are mild hybrids. They also have a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG), which includes a 48-volt vehicle electrical system.
Model Range:
CLE 220 d (145kW & 200 Nm), CLE 200 (150 kW & 200 Nm), CLE 200 4MATIC (150 kW & 200 Nm), CLE 300 4MATIC (190 kW & 400 Nm) and the CLE 450 4MATIC (280 kW & 500 Nm).
Available:
The market launch of the CLE Coupé will start in Europe in November. The CLE Cabriolet will follow next year. There is no date for the local launch as yet.
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.