The 5 Hottest Car Launches in 2024

Car manufacturers are ramping up their offerings in South Africa. This year, the market is packed full of exciting new launches, from bundu-bashing Chinese 4x4s to the latest generation of the iconic BMW M5.

We’ve put together five of the most notable car launches in South Africa in 2024, including pricing, features, and expected launch dates. Keep reading to learn more about these new vehicles and what you can expect from them.

Photo Source: Toyota South Africa

Toyota Hilux GR Sport III

Price: R999,999.00 (July 2024)

Toyota South Africa has introduced its new flagship Hilux bakkie offering, the Hilux GR Sport III. The wide, aggressive gravel-eater boasts some significant improvements over its predecessor, but the bare bones remain the same. You get Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8 l GD-6 four cylinder turbo diesel engine that spits out 165 kW of power and 550 Nm of torque, but beyond that, most improvements are exclusive to this model.

Bespoke features include a new GR Sport front bumper and grille, wider wheel arches, a front skid plate for off-road protection, and a sports bar in the load bin with GR graphics. It also comes standard with a tow bar, easy-lift tailgate, and 17 inch GR wheels in black. Inside, you get a GR-branded steering wheel, unique seat embroidery, and a nine-speaker JBL Audio sound system.

This time around, the changes aren’t just cosmetic, either. Toyota has upgraded the shock absorbers for better off-road handling, in addition to increasing the ride height and front and rear track. You also get larger brake discs with red GR calipers and white-lettering BF Goodrich all terrain tyres.

All told, it’s a formidable off-road package that will appeal to overlanders with its functionality and to city-slickers with its striking looks.

Photo Source: Dacia

Price: TBA

What’s so exciting about a Renault Duster? Well, just ask the millions of customers who’ve bought one since it was first launched in 2010. In South Africa, in particular, it’s received huge praise for its ideal blend of ride height, affordability, and frugal fuel consumption. Sadly, however, the latest version will bid farewell to the much-lauded 1.5 l turbo diesel engine. Instead, rumours suggest that the new Duster will come with a choice of a 1.2 l turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48 V mild hybrid electric motor, or a 1.6 l petrol engine combined with two electric motors.

Renault South Africa is yet to announce any local details, but here’s what we know from the announcement of the Dacia Duster in Europe. It’s bigger, with more room in the cabin and in the boot, and the interior certainly looks more solid than the outgoing version. Naturally, Renault has upgraded the infotainment system, while adding a 7 inch digital instrument cluster in place of traditional gauges. You can also look forward to wireless phone charging, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and enough USB ports for the whole family.

Off-road, it will benefit from a new multi-link rear axle, while the 4×4 version will feature five selectable driving modes for different terrains. Sales have already begun in Europe, but we’re yet to receive word on when the new Renault Duster will land in South Africa.

Photo Source: GWM

R725,950.00 (July 2024)

Is it a Jimny, G-Wagon, or Jeep Wrangler? No, it’s the Chinese-built GWM Tank 300, brought to you by the same company responsible for GWM bakkies and the Haval SUV range. This fully-fledged off-roader is a breath of fresh air, especially in a market like South Africa, where we really love our high-clearance SUVs. More than that, it’s a legitimate option for people looking for a 4×4 with all the bells and whistles. And, starting at R725,950, it’s well-priced, too.

It features a surprisingly powerful 2.0 l four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, putting out 167 kW of power and 387 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s a dream to drive. It also boasts 200 mm of ground clearance and a braked towing capacity of 2,500 kg, plus 400 l of storage space in the boot. If you drop the rear seats, that swells to a whopping 1,635 l. The Tank 300 comes in three derivatives: 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury, 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury, and 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury. The top-of-the-line model features a hybrid powertrain that ups power to 255 kW and torque to 648 Nm. This is some serious oomph for a five-seater SUV.

All models come standard with keyless entry, shift paddles, a 12.3 inch infotainment system with CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, a 360° camera system, and a sunroof. In terms of safety, you get automatic emergency braking, hill assist and descent control, and lane departure warning. We’re not surprised, considering how plush GWM and Haval vehicles typically are. At this price point, however, it faces stiff competition from established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. If you splash out a bit more, you can even get your hands on a Jeep Wrangler. However, the GWM Tank 3oo will certainly woo some customers with its boxy styling and off-road potential.

Photo Source: BMW

BMW M5 (G90)

Price: TBA

The BMW M5 is arguably the most iconic luxury sports sedan in the world, thanks to six generations of automotive excellence and rip-roaring performance. Now, we wait with bated breath for the seventh iteration of this Bavarian monster, set to land in South Africa before the end of 2024. In fact, BMW will debut the new M5 at M Fest 2024 from 25 to 27 October at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. So, what’s can we look forward to?

The most significant update is to the powertrain. The new M5 will feature a 4.4 l twin-turbo petrol V8 engine, and for the first time, it’ll be paired to an electric motor, creating a hybrid output of 430 kW of power and maximum torque of 450 Nm. According to BMW, this translates to a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h – which can be increased to 305 km/h. You can even drive the car in electric-only mode, providing a range of up to 69 km and a top speed of 140 km/h. And, as with other recent BMW M models, you can use the xDrive system to switch between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, ensuring plenty of tyre-spinning action.

Let’s talk about the looks. In recent years, BMW has polarised many fans with its design choices, especially when it comes to the latest 2 Series, M3, and M4. However, with the M5, the company has kept things proportionate – so to speak – with beautiful lines, an aggressive front bumper, and a sleek rear end with twin exhaust tailpipes. Plus, you’ll get to choose from some incredible paint colour options, including Isle of Man Green.

With a remarkable new powertrain and a suite of sophisticated chassis technology, the new M5 promises to be the best yet, bringing the iconic badge into the modern, electrified era. We can’t wait to see it in action at M Fest.

Photo Source: Lotus

Lotus Eletre

Price: TBA

Surprised to see a Lotus on this list? Unless you’re a sports car or Formula 1 afficionado, you might never have even heard of this brand. However, in motorsports circles, Lotus is an icon. This time around, however, it’s looking to make its mark on the SUV market with the all-new Eletre, and unsurprisingly, it’s ruffling lots of feathers. As the name suggests, it’s powered by two electric motors with a combined power output of 447 kW. Unsurprisingly, it’s fast – despite weighing the best part of three tonnes, it can rocket from 0-100 km/h in under three seconds.

Although it’s built in Wuhan, China, Lotus purists will be happy to know that it was designed at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Warwickshire, UK. It certainly looks like a Lotus, with serpentine curves and distinct air vents on the bonnet. Inside, it’s an electric wonderland, with touchscreens, a digital dashboard, and a KEF Premium sound system. The 100 kWh battery ensures a maximum range of around 600 km, and because there’s a motor attached to each axle, the Eletre has permanent all-wheel drive.

It also boasts a comprehensive suite of LiDAR sensor-assisted safety features, including adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. What’s really cool, though, is that these LiDAR sensors can be withdrawn into the vehicle to reduce drag. For anyone looking for a top-end electric SUV, it’s certainly a compelling option. Daytona Group plans to import the Lotus Eletre this year, depending on demand and other factors.

There you have it: the five hottest car launches in South Africa in 2024. If reading this has you itching to get behind the wheel of something a little more exciting than your daily drive, Drive South Africa has a wide range of vehicles available across southern Africa. Speak to us today to make a booking – our expert consultants are on hand to offer you the best rates and service around!