Meet the 3 finalists in the Premium SUV category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa. The winner of this #CarsAwards category will be announced on 29 February 2024.
The 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa is the 7th iteration of SA’s definitive consumer-driven automotive awards programme that aims to identify the best new vehicles on sale in Mzansi across 13 categories.
Judges first compiled a list of 65 semi-finalists – then trimmed it to 39 finalists. Following that, all #CarsAwards finalist vehicles were subjected to a rigorous 2-day test at Gerotek at the beginning of November 2023, after which they starred in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow at the Mall of Africa where, for the first time, the public could experience the cars – and meet the judges – in the flesh.
See the complete list: 2023/24 CarsAwards – The 39 finalists
Read more about the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
The Best Premium SUV category
Premium SUVs may primarily appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as design and status, but at their core, they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market. A spacious vehicle with a high-tech off-road drivetrain, a powerful engine and a luxuriously trimmed cabin (let alone with a prestigious badge on the grille) was always going to be a hit with image-obsessed car buyers.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors include a list price between R1 300 000 and R1 800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). It must be a large SUV of the BMW X5/Mercedes GLE category (coupe-inspired variants are also considered). It goes without saying that all-wheel-drive capability is a must.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, as well as space and practicality.
Premium SUVs: CarsAwards Finalists
BMW iX xDrive40
For the first time, an all-electric model has been selected as a finalist in a category that’s not focused on EVs. The new BMW iX has been quite the revelation, with its polarising design, impressive levels of tech and superb build quality. Because the iX is based on a dedicated electric-vehicle platform – not that of a conventionally engined model – it’s rather spacious, but can the BMW trump its more traditional rivals?
Find a BMW iX for sale on Cars.co.za
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
The recently revised BMW X5 makes yet another appearance in one of the most established categories of the CarsAwards, but it’s easy to understand why this vehicle is an almost permanent fixture… With a potent 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel powerplant that balances impressive on-road performance with good fuel economy, the xDrive30d M Sport also offers generous passenger room and cargo-carrying capacity.
Find a BMW X5 for sale on Cars.co.za
Land Rover Defender 110 D250 SE County
Although it’s a far cry from its utilitarian progenitor, the new Defender is a kingpin in Jaguar Land Rover’s stable. In terms of sheer versatility, it blows the opposition away – that’s why there’s a waiting list for the Landy. The Defender 110 blends luxury, practicality and off-road ability in an eye-catching package and the D250 SE County derivative is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel that makes 183 kW/570 Nm.
Read a Land Rover Defender review
Find a Land Rover Defender for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards , sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) will be named on 29 February 2024.
Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook , X , Instagram and TikTok .
