Planning on embarking on an emissions-free road trip? Boasting (claimed) maximum electric ranges of more than 500 km each, here are the top five electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa that will take you the farthest on a single charge…
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+: 782 km
Recently launched in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship EQ offering’s 107.8 kWh battery offers the most (claimed) electric range of all EVs currently available locally. The German marque claims the EQS 450+ can travel up to 782 km before the battery needs to be replenished. In addition, it’s worth noting that the least amount of (claimed) range — 631 km — achieved by the rear-wheel-drive EQS is more than the second EV on this list’s maximum, albeit by only 1 km. The EQS 450+’s electric motor produces 245 kW and 565 Nm of torque. Merc claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. This model is priced at R2 755 100. Full pricing for the local EQ line-up here.
2. BMW iX xDrive50: 630 km
The second car (and only SUV) on this list is the commendable BMW iX xDrive50 (watch our in-depth video review here). The range-topping iX’s 111.5 kWh battery is coupled with a twin electric motor arrangement that produces 385 kW and 765 Nm for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 200 km/h. The emissions-free SUV has a claimed electric range of up to 630 km, with the least being 549 km. The least expensive car on this list, the iX xDrive50, is priced at R2 225 000.
3. BMW i7 xDrive60: 625 km
Locally, the electrified 7 is available in only xDrive60 format. The i7’s electric motors produce 400 kW and 745 Nm in total. BMW claims the electric luxury saloon completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds. Topping out at 240 km/h, in the maximum-speed stakes, the i7 xDrive60 is the second fastest EV on this list. However, in the maximum electric-range stakes, it comes in third. BMW claims the i7 can travel up to 625 km. However, it is worth noting that the least amount of (claimed) range is more than its BMW i SUV stablemate at 591 km. The i7 xDrive60 is priced at R2 825 000.
4. Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+: 586 km
The most powerful EV on this list, the AMG-badged EQS, offers an electric range of between 529 and 586 km. The EQS 53 4Matic+ has the same battery as its 450+ sibling. However, it features a duo of electric motors, producing 484 kW and 950 Nm. The all-wheel-drive EQS sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, making it the second quickest car to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint on this list. The top speed is rated at 220 km/h. This model is priced at R3 410 100.
5. Porsche Taycan GTS: 504 km
The GTS variant is the first Taycan capable of travelling more than 500 km when its 93.4 kWh battery is fully charged. Porsche claims a maximum electric range of 504 km. The Taycan GTS is endowed with 380 kW and 850 Nm of torque. However, activating launch control increases the former figure to 440 kW, allowing for a claimed zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed is rated at 250 km/h. The GTS-badged Taycan is priced at R3 236 000.
