Five Luxury electric cars coming to SA in 2022

The 2022 luxury vehicle line-up is seeing a whole host of green editions added to their itinerary. Barring any delays due to global chip shortages, we will be seeing over 15 models of various brands and sizes entering into the market and filling a niche category of Battery-Electric Vehicles [BEVs].

This follows plans by numerous car manufacturers, particularly within the luxury category, to begin shifting away from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) to fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles over the next 10 to 15 years. Beyond this, the vehicle manufacturing sector of South Africa may see a significant impact in their export industry as countries around the globe start legislating a reduction of ICE cars and expand upon their electric charging infrastructure.

While South Africa may remain behind the curve on electric vehicles, the sudden influx of interest has inspired leading brands to re-engage with the local market. So far, there are only 6 existing models to choose from. However, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are introducing multiple EV models to their existing itinerary. We take a closer look at five of the most anticipated models.

Audi e-tron 50/55 S Line

The 2022 Audi e-tron 50 and 55 S Line, which were launched in Cape Town last week, are luxury SUVs with sporty features designed for family and leisure. It bears the unmistakable hallmark of the iconic Audi flare with its aggressive yet regal exterior.

The drive is something quite spectacular, combining a sporty character with an exceptionally smooth ride. The vehicle's battery system and drivetrain are optimised to match the dimensions of the car, allowing for near-perfect weight distribution. Beyond the standard features one comes to expect from Audi, the e-tron takes full advantage of the Audi Drive Select feature to allow owners to choose between 7 driver profiles depending on the terrain and personal preference.

The vehicle system also tweaks suspension levels with adaptive dampeners which define the difference between smooth driving for comfort and taught sporty handling. The battery engine extends quite a punch producing a whopping 230kW at 540Nm of torque. This propels this luxury SUV from 0-100 in just under 7 seconds with the top speed limited to 285kph.

Audi e-tron 50 price: TBA (Est. R1,550,000)

Audi e-tron 55 S Line: R1,999,000

Audi e-tron GT Quattro/RS e-tron GT

Audi's unmissable luxury e-tron GT Quattro is the sister car to the Porsche Taycan and bears an almost identical chassis. This ferocious rendition of battery-powered engineering will see two variants entering the market. The entry-level GT Quattro and the beefed-up RS e-tron GT. This will be the first Audi EV to display the RS badge... and for good reason!

Although it is a 4-door saloon, the Audi flexes its Gran Turismo heritage, defining a sleek hybrid impression, and combining the benefits of both aesthetics. If you could picture a world-class athlete winning gold while wearing a suit and cufflinks, the GT embodies this personification.

In terms of drive and performance, the GT offers a smooth, sophisticated, and uninhibited ride on the open road. You would be forgiven for forgetting you were driving one of the most powerful EVs out there as the GT can reach top speeds of over 300kms providing a battery range of under 500kms. The engine produces a breathtaking 350kW at 630Nm of torque.

Audi e-tron GT quattro price: R2,715,000

Audi RS e-tron GT: R3,300,000

BMW iX xDrive40/xDrive50 

It comes as no surprise that BMW is reinventing their luxury SUV line-up, introducing EV variants for existing models as well as their new power brands. With the xDrive40 and 50 respectively, you are treated to a silent yet torquey experience that takes driving to a whole new level. 

At first glance, the exterior façade embodies a new direction in BMW design, first seen in the 2020 4 series with the iconic double-grill extending downwards. We're not particularly sure how we feel about this new look other than to say it's unique! The iX range will bear all of BMW's latest tech features and provide a path forward for luxury EVs that will likely dominate the future BMW line-up.

While not the prettiest BMW out there, the iX does not disappoint in terms of performance and drive quality. Regular X-series drivers will find that their familiar smooth and unencumbered ride will be further enhanced by a silent yet deadly electric motor. The xDrive50 in particular produces an impressive 385kW at a monumental 765Nm of torque. It's no surprise that this luxury SUV can propel itself from 0 - 100 in a blistering 4.6 seconds. For a vehicle that weighs just under 2 tonnes, the science behind this mechanical marvel is indistinguishable from magic.

BMW iX xDrive40 price: R1,650,000

BMW iX xDrive50 price: R2,175,000

BMW iX3

A recognisable face with a brand new spin on life, the BMW iX3 embodies the aesthetic of the titular X series while introducing an overhauled electric engine to the mix at a similar asking price. One of its major selling points is its ability to travel over 500kms in just one charge. Beyond this, the iX3 boasts quick and efficient recharging capabilities making it one of the more sustainable EVs to choose from our list.

Defined by the success of the smaller BMW I3 (which was released to the European market over seven years ago) the iX3 is a tweaked and improved version far more suited to the rugged terrain of South African roads. Despite its EV overhaul, the iX3 is essentially no different to the regular X3 which remains the most popular BMW SUV in the South African market. 

As far as performance goes, BMW worked tirelessly to ensure that their iX3 variant was as similar to the regular ICE variant as possible. Everything from the ride quality to engine performance is designed to conserve the characteristics that made this model what it is today. As such, you may find the engine isn't as powerful as other EVs with a modest output of 70 to 80kWs. Don't be fooled by engine capacity, the iX3 still rockets from 0 - 100 in just under 7 seconds.

BMW iX3 price: TBA (Est. R995,000 to R1,300,000)

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Defined as the pinnacle of luxury and performance, Mercedes continues to impress motorheads and businessmen and women alike with sophisticated accents and resplendent design appeal of its most popular models. Continuing from its unique flagship range in the S-Class variants, Mercedes is now unveiling the EQS as an EV alternative, paving the way for a new direction in luxury German engineering prowess.

At first glance, the EQS resembles nothing like the typical shape we've come to expect from Mercedes. While the model is designed to take full advantage of aerodynamics, the overall look comes across as disproportionate and ungainly. Despite our reservations about the exterior aesthetic, the interior design, on the other hand, is simply Mercedes at their best. Opulent, luxurious, and fully equipped with the latest features.

In terms of performance, the EQS is just as impressive as other models on our list. The engine range goes beyond 500kms and the performance output delivers a proportional 215kW at 530Nm of torque. Beyond a more than adequate power distribution, the EQS uses air suspension technology to provide the smooth and relaxing drive that Mercedes is known for.

Mercedes-Benz EQS price: TBA (Est. R1,550,000)

The expansion of charging points

Despite misgivings surrounding South Africa's road infrastructure and whether or not EVs will be viable in the country, the truth is that we are ranked 5th in the world in terms of charging points per electric vehicle with hundreds of select petrol stations said to install new charging points by Q4 of 2022.

February of 2022 saw EVs overtake hybrid cars in purchases within the South African market. This milestone marks the advancements of battery technology in the EV space and growing local consumer confidence in the range offered in newer generation BEV's.

What's more, advancements in charging applications means that the usual 8 hours it takes to fully charge a typical EV could see that time shaved in half making this market far more viable than hybrid counterparts.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/hamiltons-launches-a-high-end-auction-platform/ 

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