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
With the new CLE Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of four-seater open-top dream cars.
What is it?
It is the latest incarnation of what MB calls expressive design, intelligent technology and upmarket equipment guarantee. This new model is based on the sporty CLE Coupé. However, the classic fabric acoustic soft top gives it a character of its own.
The top:
The standard fit fabric acoustic soft top also contributes to the year-round usability of the CLE Cabriolet. It is available in black, red or grey.
The multi-layer structure with extensive insulation provides the basis for the best thermal comfort in all seasons. It also reduces wind and driving noise. The soft top opens and closes within 20 seconds up to a road speed of 60 km/h.
For the first time, it is powered exclusively by electricity, making it even quieter. The standard fit powered roller divider automatically separates the folded soft top from the rest of the luggage compartment.
The Aircap electric wind deflector system and the AIRSCARF® headroom heating system are standard equipment. They make open-top driving in cool outside temperatures more pleasant. It consists of two elements: the wind deflector on the windscreen directs airflow over the occupants’ heads. It extends at the touch of a button. The automatic wind deflectors behind the rear head restraints reduce turbulence more efficiently.
Airscarf produces even warmer airflow around the necks and throats of front-seat occupants – even in unfavourable, windy conditions.
Interior:
The freestanding 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch driver-orientated central display in portrait format are eye-catchers in the interior.
The latter can be electrically tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting glare when the soft top is down. Another highlight is the optional dynamic ambient lighting.
The front seats developed exclusively for the CLE have an integral sports seat design. In conjunction with the optional Burmester® 3D surround sound system, they each have two loudspeakers level with the head restraints. This creates a particularly personalised and immersive music experience with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio close to the ear. This premium sound system has a total of 17 loudspeakers.
Engines:
All engines are mild hybrids. Each has an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt on-board electrical system adding an extra 17kW and 205Nm boost.
The CLE 200 2-litre turbo-engine delivers 150kW and 320Nm with the CLE 300 4MATIC 2-litre turbo-engine good for 190kW and 400Nm.
Prices:
CLE 200 (R1 515 350) and the CLE 300 4Matic (R1 573 651).
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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