Unforgettable Metal: My most memorable cars of 2023

As the sun sets on 2023, it's time to tip my hat to a few of the metal beasts that got my motor running. From ultramodern EVs to high-tech double-cab bakkies and super luxurious crossovers and SUVs, these rides from 2023 won't be easily forgotten.

BMW i4 

It was just before dawn when I drove to the airport, a double espresso coursing through my veins. I usually struggle to see in the dark, but the BMW i4 M50 devoured the rain-slicked highway, illuminating the way ahead with a stream of intelligent headlights.

 

The i4 embodies BMW's tagline of 'sheer driving pleasure'!

 

This futuristic beast, a jewel in BMW's EV crown, propelled me towards the Borcherd's Quarry turnoff, warping time with every prod of the accelarator. Its sprint time of 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h wasn't just a number; it was a heart-pounding thrill made more intense by Hans Zimmer's spaceship soundtrack, which blended beautifully with the hum of the M eDrive engines.

 

As they say, a thing of beauty is a joy forever, but the i4 has many other attributes that make it my favourite car of 2023.

 

Yes, its range shrinks with a heavy foot, but its sculpted fastback body, luxurious tech-laden interior, and jaw-dropping curved screen are pure automotive therapy. At R1.7 million, it might be a weekend warrior, but this electric dream machine is the perfect antidote to the Monday-to-Friday carpool blues.

Who needs a house? One could live in the BMW i4 instead ;-)

Watch our i4 video review here.

BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series deserves a spot on this list as well, perhaps most of all the cars on this list, for its sheer opulence, over-the-top technologically advanced interior and unparalleled comfort—more indulgent than a first-class seat on an Emirates Airbus. With its modern Godfather styling, this ultra-sedan is not just a stately, futuristic chariot fit for a king, but a symphony of leather, crystal, and light, with technology so clever that it pre-empts your needs. This car completely blew me away!

Mafia bosses, corrupt politicians, and tenderpreneurs, take note! The 7 Series will have you arriving at the country club in style.

 

 

Say goodbye to boredom and stiff muscles on long road trips. Those in the rear seats are prioritised!

Read our 2023 BMW 7 Series and i7 launch report here.

Range Rover Defender 130

There are large family SUVs, and then there are Range Rover Defenders. It's more than a vehicle; it's a land-dwelling behemoth, a moving monument to the limitless curiosity of the human spirit. Forget minivans and carpools; this handsome, fuel-efficient beast (if you choose diesel!) can carry eight people and all of their gear to the ends of the earth and back in complete, retro-inspired luxury. In its week with us, the 2023 Defender 130 D300 First Edition model even served as chauffeured transport to the matric farewell for a pretty Grade 12 and her partner.

It's massive, yet the Land Rover Defender 130 D300's engine is highly efficient.

 

 

As far as interiors go, the Defender perfectly blends retro charm with modern functionality.

Read our review of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 here.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Volkswagen Amarok

Interestingly, these two bakkies shared first place on the podium at the International Pick-Up Award (IPUA) held in France. 

While their shared DNA is no secret, these bakkies carve their own paths when it comes to personality. The Ranger Wildtrak X is the rugged adventurer, at home navigating rocky paths and conquering dunes, with a serious skillset that includes Trail Turn Assist and Rock Crawl mode as standard. (The similarly-specced Ford Ranger Tremor debuts next year; read more about it here!)

More standard kit like the 12.4-inch touchscreen with off-road view and Bilstein shocks make even the roughest terrain feel like a leisurely romp on gravel! 

Wildtrak X marks the sweet spot in the range...for now...

 Read our Ford Ranger Wildtrak X launch report here.

The flagship Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double-cab Aventura 4MOTION (R1 184 200), on the other hand, exudes sophisticated German charm. Its sleek lines and sculpted body hint at its appetite for the urban jungle, but don't underestimate its off-road chops. Permanent all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance mean it can handle weekend getaways to hidden picnic spots just as effortlessly as the daily commute. And make no mistake, the V6 has serious pulling power.

The VW Amarok: It's such a suave-looking bakkie!

The Amarok's cabin is all about understated luxury, with high-quality materials and a focus on user-friendliness and practicality. The rear seats in both bakkies are spacious enough for daily family use. In short: these two double-cabs are simply miles ahead of any other bakkie on the market in 2023.

Related: Amarok and Ranger are world's best bakkies

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge PHEV

While many South Africans are fearful of the whole EV revolution, a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid EV option, is actually ideal. And this particular Volvo XC60 has sports car power but consumption as low as 3 litres per 100 km. 

Imagine powering down the highway with a 233 kW engine, then switching to pure, silent electricity when you encounter the city's heavy traffic. A 18.8 kWh battery and 107 kW electric motor unleash instant torque for effortless takeoffs, while the traditional engine seamlessly kicks in for extended journeys. It's the best of both worlds, wrapped in a luxurious Scandinavian package. A word of advice, however: Try to keep it charged up, as it's heavy on juice when the battery's depleted—and if you're going on holiday, be sure to check for charging stations en route.

The Swedish know how to build sexy, intelligent, and sophisticated cars, and the XC60 is one of my favourites.

 

 

I'm a huge fan of Volvo's cabin design. The black is a bit boring but the most practical, however.

 

Read our Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge Roadtrip Review here.

Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQS

Turning heads like a runaway chrome spaceship, the EQA isn't for wallflowers. Its sleek silhouette and futuristic interior (think dual screens and rose-gold vents!) wowed everyone, from humble fishermen to European boutique-hotel guests. But this beauty isn't just a show-off. Its practical interior makes it ideal for families and all kinds of urban and light off-road adventures.

Handing back the keys was tough. This luxurious, tech-stuffed SUV exceeded my expectations, making everyday drives feel like mini escapes. While I will never own one due to financial constraints, the EQA impressed me with its myriad of talents.

It's this streamlined for a reason: the Mercedes-EQA has a very low drag-coefficient in order to save power.

 

Read about the rest of the AutoTrader content team's favourite drives of 2023 here.

 

 

There are ambient lighting options galore in the EQA; I quite liked this (combination.

Read our Mercedes-EQA review here.

The EQS also stunned me with its beautiful cabin and tech, but its big battery is the biggest drawcard, as you'll have more range.

 

The Mercedes-EQS, the BMW i7's fiercest rival, deserves a very special mention. It may not have that massive fold-down screen that treats the mafia boss and his mistress in the rear seats to the latest Netflix releases, but it's still in a class of its own.

Look at the EQS elegant interior, and our model didn't even have the larger, top-spec central touchscreen fitted. 

Watch our quick EQS video review here.

Lexus RX

In September, Lexus launched their updated RX range, and we drove every available model, from the 350, 350h, 350 F Sport, 500h F Sport, and 450h+. Stepping inside the RX wasn't just entering a car; it was stepping into a sanctuary of refinement, and passersby couldn't resist a second glance:

Each RX we drove has different driving characteristics. But what stood out from my drive (or ride) in each model were the following: The whisper-quiet cabins, easy-to-use touchscreens, a user-friendly cabin layout with enough USB points for passengers in the front and rear, pliant suspension, outstanding stability, great steering response (when you select Sport mode), ultra-comfortable seats, a myriad of luxury features (such as heated or ventilated seats), and smooth, quiet engines. Every time you step inside the RX to go somewhere, it's a luxurious occasion. And you'll find yourself (and others) looking at the RX and revelling in its gorgeousness. - Ané Albertse, AutoTrader

 

The Lexus RX's grille had me swooning, and Sonic Copper is my new favourite colour.

 

 

This is a space I could get used to very quickly. Upholstery is hand-stitched by Takumi master craftsmen. 

Read our 2023 Lexus RX launch report here.

ENDS