2026 is loading… These cars have us counting the days
We can all agree that 2025 was one for the books in the automotive world. Looking back at the launches, the cars we drove, and the places we covered, it’s clear that carmakers aren’t easing off the throttle; if anything, they’re gunning it harder than ever.
This was the year Chinese marques truly came out in full force. MG, Lepas, Leapmotor, and Changan each made its mark in more ways than one. Then came the big guns: BYD’s Shark 6 showing how electrification can work in a bakkie, Mercedes-Benz’s G580 doing iconic tank turns, Renault’s Duster returning (but sadly leaving the frugal diesel behind), Volvo’s beautifully minimalist EX90 redefining minimalism, and Alfa Romeo’s Junior stepping into the EV age with unmistakable Italian flair. Honestly, these showcased that the industry is alive, well, and moving forward.
Now, as 2025 winds down, we can’t help but glance toward 2026. If this year was any indication, the next one’s shaping up to be just as exciting, maybe even more so. We take a look at some of the cars joining the ranks in 2026.
Audi A6 Avant e-Tron & S5 Avant
Over the years, station wagons have had a tough run locally. As SUVs took over, most wagons steadily disappeared from showrooms. But if there’s one brand that’s never given up on them, it’s Audi. And now, the four rings are doubling down with something exciting, the all-new A6 Avant e-Tron, set to arrive in 2026. Hot on its heels, we can also expect the S5 Avant, sitting just below the flagship RS 5 Avant.
Both models are built with very different objectives in mind. The A6 Avant goes fully electric, promising silent power and long-distance comfort. The S5 Avant, on the other hand, sticks to Audi’s familiar approach but adds electric assistance: a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 TFSI pushing out 270kW and 550Nm. In a market obsessed with crossovers, it’s refreshing to see Audi still flying the wagon flag high while also giving a nod to the future.
BMW iX3
It honestly feels like BMW SA is gearing up for a pretty laid-back 2026, with only the new iX3 scheduled to arrive in the third quarter. But we won’t lie, this is one launch we’re genuinely excited for. As the first proper series-production Neue Klasse model, the iX3 is showing us what the future actually looks like. And if those early numbers are anything to go by, up to 805km on a charge and 400kW peak charging, that future looks seriously impressive. There’s a lot to love already, especially BMW’s confidence that it’s smarter, more advanced and better prepared for what’s ahead. If this is the ‘quiet’ year for BMW, we’ll happily take it.
Chery Himla
Bakkies are practically part of South Africa’s DNA, so whenever a new player dares to step into that fiercely loyal arena, it instantly turns heads. And now, it’s Chery’s turn. The Chinese marque has confirmed that it will introduce its first-ever bakkie, the Himla, in the fourth quarter of 2026. We caught an early glimpse of it at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, and if first impressions are anything to go by, Chery seems ready to take the fight straight to the big guns.
For now, details about the Himla remain under tight wraps, but what we do know is promising. Expect a mix of diesel, petrol, hybrid, and eventually full-electric options. Realistically, though, it’s the turbodiesel that’s likely to headline the Himla’s local debut since it’s an engine that historically sells well in South Africa. If Chery gets it right, it could very well find itself going toe-to-toe with the likes of the Hilux, Ranger, Amarok, P-Series, and D-Max.
Interestingly, before the Himla arrives, Chery plans to shake things up even further in the third quarter with something it calls the T1TP, a so-called ‘transformable multi-SUV’. Sounds odd, we know, but also oddly fascinating. What makes it truly intriguing and unlike anything we’ve seen before is its modular design that allows it to transform between different body styles. By swapping or removing rear panels and accessories, the T1TP can morph from a double cab bakkie into a large 7-seater SUV or even a camper. Interesting.
iCaur V23
When the iCaur V23 finally hits the local sales floors in the second half of 2026, it won’t be a total stranger; we actually got an early glimpse of it at this year’s Festival of Motoring. And let’s be honest, it was hard to miss. With its retro-inspired, off-road-ready styling, the V23 turned plenty of heads and showed exactly how a modern classic should look.
Think round headlights, modular body panels (yes, the fenders and bumpers can be removed), and a smart split tailgate that doubles as a workbench. Word is, the V23 will come in several trims, offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive setups, with an electric range of up to 501km depending on the model. If that’s the case, it could be one of the more exciting EVs to look forward to in 2026.
Jeep Gladiator Willys Special Edition
In 2026, Jeep will pay homage to the original 1941 Willys MB with the introduction of the Willys Special Edition to its Gladiator and Wrangler models. The duo will pack retro military-inspired design elements such as a bespoke ‘military olive drab-inspired’ shade, period-correct decals with a stencilled appearance, and an optional tan heritage cloth interior.
All in all, the Willys Edition feels like the perfect blend of old-school Jeep character and modern upgrades. It’s got that unmistakable vintage look, but with enough new touches to make every adventure feel a bit more special. If you’re the type who values both nostalgia and capability, this one’s definitely worth holding out for in the new year.
Lamborghini Temerario
The supercar brand with the raging bull is gearing up to shake the supercar stable with the Temerario, a mid-engined plug-in hybrid set to debut sometime in 2026. This isn’t just another Lambo, as it marks the return of a V8 mid-engined model for the first time since the Jalpa of 1981. And following the Urus, it’s the first Lamborghini to pack a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8.
Thanks to its hybrid system, the Temerario pumps out a staggering 677kW, rocketing from 0‑100km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Power is sent through an 8-speed DCT, and it won’t stop there, carrying on to a top speed of 343km/h.
Mercedes-Maybach S Class V12 Edition & SL
We can all agree that the days of the combustion engine are fading fast, which is why hearing Mercedes-Benz confidently announce a new V12 for 2026 feels almost surreal. And not just any V12, but one crafted by Maybach and fitted to the S-Class. It’s the kind of news that makes petrolheads sit up a little straighter since only 50 units will be built worldwide to honour nearly a century of V12 heritage. Based on the S680, it packs a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 with 450kW and 900Nm, sending all that power to all four wheels through a 9-speed auto. We honestly never thought we’d see such a combination again.
And then there’s the SL Maybach arriving in the new year. This one has me just as curious. It’s being called the sportiest Maybach ever, and it’s the first time the iconic badge has been slapped onto an SL. Under the bonnet sits the SL63 S E Performance’s 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid setup, good for 430kW and 800Nm to all four wheels. It’s no tame cruiser, and I can’t wait to see how that personality comes together on the road.
MG HS PHEV and ZS Pro HEV
Hybrids make perfect sense in South Africa. They straddle that sweet spot between efficiency and practicality, allowing you to go almost anywhere without the range anxiety that plagues most EVs. So, when we hear that MG is bringing not one but two electrified options to our shores, a ZS Hybrid and an HS Plug-in Hybrid, it’s hard not to get a little excited.
The ZS Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 158kW and about 465Nm. That means you’re getting a mix of brisk performance, improved efficiency, and the bonus of short, EV-only drives. The HS PHEV takes things up a notch, utilising a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in conjunction with a more powerful electric motor for a punchy 209kW and 480 Nm. Add to that an electric-only range of over 50km, and you’ve got a genuinely practical plug-in hybrid. If MG can price these right and deliver that smooth hybrid experience we’ve seen elsewhere, both models could easily become standout options, and honestly, they’re worth waiting for.
Mini Aceman JCW & Mini JCW Electric
Over at Mini SA, things get a lot more interesting. The Aceman is finally getting the full JCW treatment in the first quarter of 2026, and the fact that it’ll be the brand’s first fully-electric JCW already has us paying attention. We’ve always had a soft spot for anything wearing that JCW badge, so this one definitely feels worth the wait. You can expect all the right drama, too, thanks to JCW-specific aero bits, a diffuser, and a quirky roof colour gradient. And with 190kW, 350Nm and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 6.4 seconds, it’s stepping straight into hot hatch territory, and we just can’t wait to put that to the test.
The Mini JCW Electric is also on the cards for the first quarter. Mini’s ICE-powered JCW has left a serious impression on us, it’s fun, lively and has that unmistakable JCW attitude. So if this electric version manages to capture even a hint of that same magic, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a winner.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
The Porsche 911 Turbo S, dubbed the “daily supercar”, is more than just a top-of-the-line model, unless you include the GTs. It proves that Porsche can deliver near-supercar performance without asking you to compromise your daily routine. Since the original 911 Turbo (the 930) hit the roads in 1975, which earned the fearsome nickname ‘widowmaker’, the Turbo badge has been synonymous with innovation and pure numerical dominance.
The new Turbo S takes all of that to a whole new level. It’s the first Turbo S to ever get electrified, pairing Porsche’s high-performance T-Hybrid powertrain with a 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-6 engine. Combined, they deliver a staggering 523kW and 800Nm, with performance that makes supercars pause for a second. We’re talking 0‑100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 322km/h, stats that are nothing short of jaw-dropping. If you’re a petrolhead, this is the car you’ll be dreaming about well into 2026.
Volkswagen T-Roc and Golf 8.5 GTI
The second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc is expected to hit local shores in 2026, stepping in to replace a model that quietly became one of VW’s most important cars. With more than 2 million units sold globally, it’s earned its place in the brand’s lineup, and expectations for the new one are naturally high. VW hasn’t confirmed our local specs yet, but it’s safe to assume we’ll see the familiar range of TSI engines, a 4Motion all-wheel-drive option and, of course, the smooth 7-speed DSG as standard.
On the other hand, the Golf 8.5 GTI, basically the facelift we’ve all been waiting for, is expected to arrive next year. And honestly, it feels like VW has finally ironed out the issues that held the current GTI back. If they’ve truly fixed the fuel, this could be the hot hatch that fans have been yearning for.
Volvo ES90 & EX60
With the S90 now discontinued in SA, Volvo’s filling the gap with the all-electric ES90, and honestly, it feels like a step in the right direction. Looking at it and what it brings to the table, it’s a proper step up. The 800-volt charging, the packed computing power, and the claimed 700-kilometre range all point to a sedan that’s worth looking forward to.
But the one we’re really looking forward to is the EX60. Think of it as the XC60 we already rate so highly, just fully reimagined as an EV, the same way the EX90 evolved from the XC90. It’s bringing sharper tech, cleaner design, and Volvo’s new adaptive seatbelt, a world-first that adjusts tension based on real-time conditions. If it carries over the XC60’s charm with the added refinement of an EV, the EX60 might just be the sweet spot in Volvo’s new electric lineup, and we genuinely can’t wait to see it.
