2 European car giants bringing new luxury cars to South Africa

European brands Volvo and BMW are set to expand their EV lineups in the country in 2026, introducing new luxury models that highlight both cutting-edge technology and premium design.

Although Swedish by origin, Volvo Cars has been owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group since 2010, when Ford sold its passenger-car division for $1.8 billion. Volvo’s commercial vehicles, however, remain under the independent Volvo Group.

The automaker is gearing up for a major expansion of its electric vehicle lineup in South Africa. The ES90 will launch in mid-to-late Q1 2026, marking Volvo’s first model with 800-volt charging technology for faster charging and longer driving range.

The sedan combines classic elegance with fastback practicality and SUV-like interior space, while continuous over-the-air updates allow it to evolve digitally over time.

Following this, the EX60 is expected in mid-to-late Q3 2026. Positioned between the XC40 Recharge and flagship EX90, it will expand the Swedish carmaker’s electric SUV portfolio and make premium EVs more accessible to South African drivers.

“As South Africa’s EV landscape grows, with more charging points, rising awareness, and a strong appetite for premium electrification, the EX60 will arrive at the perfect time,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of the marque.

“It brings our latest technology to a broader audience while delivering the range, confidence, and everyday practicality local drivers expect.”

Volvo is also updating its naming strategy: the C40 will become the EC40, and the XC40 Recharge will be renamed EX40.

German automaker BMW, majority-owned by the Quandt family, will bring its iX3 electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) to South Africa in Q3 2026.

The iX3 is BMW’s first Neue Klasse model, featuring sixth-generation eDrive technology, with up to 805 km of range and a peak charging rate of 400 kW.

The vehicle introduces BMW’s “superbrain” computing system for enhanced driving dynamics, automated functions, and digital services.

The first iX3 50 xDrive variant delivers 345 kW, features all-wheel drive, and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Production is underway in Debrecen, Hungary, ahead of an expected South African launch.

The simultaneous entry of Volvo and BMW highlights rising confidence in South Africa’s EV ecosystem, including improved charging infrastructure and increasing consumer interest.

Industry analysts say the arrival of high-end EVs from multiple European automakers is expected to accelerate adoption, diversify the market beyond Chinese brands, and offer premium, tech-rich options for South African drivers.