BMW 7 Series is South Africa's 'Car of the Year' despite the R2.2 million price tag

John Maytham speaks to Janine van der Post, Editor at Wheels24.

The BMW 7 series raced to the top spot at the 2024 'Car of the Year' (Coty) awards, held on 8 May.

Mzansi's 'Car of the Year' goes for a whopping R2.2 million.

The Suzuki Fronx secured second place, with the BMW M2 claiming third.

Among 18 finalists, the 7 Series emerged as a standout contender, impressing Coty jurors (from the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists), who rated top contenders. 

The Car of the Year faces harsh criticism as its price does not reflect the average South African or their wallets, especially in an economy 'in crisis'.

"How can it be the 'Car of the Year'?" asked Maytham.

"It by no means reflects the South African buyer. Most people can't even afford a new car. Most people can't even afford a decent second-hand car. So, when you hear a car like this winning 'Car of the Year', it doesn't sit well with most people."

- Janine van der Post, Editor - Wheels24

Van der Post adds that 'you can't punish a car for costing that much'.

If judges considered affordability, this would not be the Car of the Year for South Africa, she says.

"If we're going to have a competition for what every Joe Soap can afford, we're only going to have the most affordable cars in that category which will probably cost between R5000-R6000 [per month] ... which most South Africans today - with the economy we are in and the crisis the economy is in - can't afford..."

- Janine van der Post, Editor - Wheels24

Other cars in the winning categories included:

Budget/Compact: Suzuki Fronx
Compact Family: Toyota Urban Cruiser
Family: BMW X1
Premium: Mercedes-Benz GLC
Adventure SUV: Mahindra Scorpio-N
4x4 Double Cab: Volkswagen Amarok
Luxury: BMW 7 Series
Performance: BMW M2

Maytham argues that these cars are also not affordable for most South Africans.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.