As new electric cars are introduced to South Africa, local buyers have more choices than ever before. If you are a power-hungry EV buyer then consider these most powerful electric cars available in South Africa! Which one would you choose?
With significant investment from brands such as Audi, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is improving in South Africa. Not only that, new EV products are being introduced regularly and South Africa’s EV product portfolio is expected to expand further in 2023.
While customers seeking an affordable EV solution are looking forward to the arrival of the Ora Cat later this year, luxury brands are flaunting their EV wares at prices that only well-heeled customers can entertain.
If power figures matter to you then this list will highlight the most powerful electric cars you can buy in South Africa right now!
Pricing details are accurate as of March 2023.
5 Most Powerful Electric Cars in South Africa
1. Porsche Taycan Turbo S – 560 kW
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is currently the most powerful electric car you can buy in South Africa. With 2 powerful electric motors (one over each axle) delivering mammoth outputs of 560 kW and 1 050 Nm, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S claims 2.8 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph with a top speed of 260 kph. A 93.4 kWh battery pack ensures a claimed range of 340 km.
The lesser derivatives in the Taycan range are impressive too with the Taycan Turbo offering 500 kW and 800 Nm while the Taycan GTS cranks out 440 kW and 850 Nm.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is currently priced from R4 137 000.
See the full specification and pricing for the Porsche Taycan range here
Buy a Porsche Taycan on Cars.co.za
2. Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic – 484 kW
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic claims the second spot on this EV power list with outputs of 484 kW and 950 Nm! It too is powered by 2 electric motors and is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 220 kph. You can, however, ramp power up to 560 kW with the optional Dynamic Plus Package which will turn the EQS into a 3.4-second rocket ship! With a large 107.8 kWh battery pack, the EQS 53 4Matic has a claimed range of between 529 and 586 km.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic is currently priced from R3 415 250.
See full specification and pricing details for the Mercedes-AMG EQS 52 4Matic here
Buy a Mercedes-Benz EQS on Cars.co.za
3. BMW iX M60 – 455 kW
BMW recently added the M-fettled iX M60 to its local price list and it’s currently the most powerful electric SUV in South Africa and also the most expensive electric BMW currently on sale in South Africa.
A total of 2 electric motors, one over each axle, generate a heady 455 kW power output with 1 100 Nm of torque produced during a full bore launch control. BMW claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 kph. The large capacity 105.2 kWh battery pack ensures a claimed range of 561 kph.
The BMW iX M60 is currently priced from R2 975 000.
See full specification and pricing details for the BMW iX M60 here
4. Audi RS e-tron GT – 440 kW
Audi’s svelte RS e-tron GT brings mega EV power to the tar in a body that’s undeniably appealing. Two electric motors generate 440 kW and 830 Nm of torque but a 2.5-second overboost function sees power rise to 475 kW momentarily.
The Audi RS e-tron GT will sprint from a standstill to 100 kph in just 3.3 seconds and its 93.4 kWh battery pack offers a range of between 433 km to 472 km.
The Audi RS e-tron GT is currently priced from R3 359 400.
See full specification and pricing details for the Audi RS e-tron GT here
Buy an Audi e-tron GT on Cars.co.za
5. BMW i4 M50 / BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport – 400 kW
The BMW i4 M50 tops this list with outputs of 400 kW and 795 Nm developed by its twin electric motors and offers a range of about 510 km thanks to its 83.9 kWh battery pack. BMW claims 3.9 seconds in the sprint to 100kph with a top speed of 225 kph. The BMW i4 M50 is currently priced from R1 646 200.
See full specification for the BMW i4 M50 here
Similarly, the recently introduced BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport offers 400 kW and 745 Nm from its dual electric motor setup. It makes use of a 101.7 kWh battery pack that claims a range of 625 km. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 240 kph. The BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport is currently priced from R2 900 000.
See full specification and pricing details for the BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport here
