The D-segment sedan still soldiers on, despite the rampant sales success of the SUV market. For many, taking ownership of a German sedan will be a status symbol and a sign that you’re successful. But which one of the 2022 sedans is worth your money?
Many years ago, it was not uncommon to see products like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series tally up great sales in SA. Now its an anomaly to see a sedan that’s not a Toyota Corolla make substantial sales inroads. A quick glance at the BMW SA sales figures of March 2022 shows the 3 Series is the 2nd best seller after the locally-built X3. We’re pretty sure the same thing is happening with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, with GLC and Q5 outselling their sedan equivalents.
Despite market trends indicating the sedan bodystyle is not as popular as it once was, there’s still enough of a market to justify its existence, for now. In this 2022 sedans Buyer’s Guide, we look at what’s on offer, how much you can expect to pay, plus the pros and cons of each model. We also choose our pick of the 2022 sedans, the vehicle which we think offers the best value. Pricing is accurate as of May 2022.
2022 Sedans on Sale
BMW 3 Series
The G20 BMW 3 Series came to market back in 2019, boasting 50:50 weight distribution, excellent dynamics and all of the luxuries you’d ever need. Customers can choose from petrol or diesel engines, and the new LCI model pictured here is due to touch down before the end of 2022.
Read our full review of the BMW 3 Series here
- Price Range: R732 286 – R1 262 448
- Pick of the Range: 320d ticks all the boxes
- Reason to Buy: Engaging drive, sporty handling, great engine diversity
- Criticisms: LCI model about to launch, rear legroom a bit tight, firm ride
See specification and pricing details for the BMW 3 Series
Buy a BMW 3 Series on Cars.co.za
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The locally-built Mercedes-Benz C-Class has taken its time to get on showroom floors, but we think its is worth the wait. There are two engines on offer, but we think that hybridised diesel C220d is by far the superior choice. A tech-laden cabin is visually impressive, but we’re not sure everyone will like the idea of an iPad strapped to the dash.
Read our Mercedes-Benz C-Class review here.
- Price Range: R857 956 – R956 999
- Pick of the Range: C220d balances economy with performance
- Reason to Buy: Luxurious, refined, tech-laden, superb diesel engine
- Criticisms: Weak petrol engine, lack of stock, pricey
See specification and pricing details for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class on Cars.co.za
Audi A4
The Audi A4 quietly soldiers on and will continue to impress with its levels of comfort and refinement. The cabin feels upmarket and the Audi MMI system is one of the better ones in the segment. Customers have petrol and diesel engines to choose from. It may not have the dynamics of the BMW 3 or the luxury of the C, but at this price, you’re likely to be more than satisfied with what’s on offer.
Read our review of the Audi A4 here
- Price Range: R708 800 – R795 700
- Pick of the Range: 35TDI Advanced combines a frugal diesel engine with the most spec loaded
- Reason to Buy: Refinement, value for money, solid-feeling cabin
- Criticisms: A bit anodyne
See specification and pricing details for the Audi A4
Buy a used Audi A4 on Cars.co.za
Lexus ES
If you’re all about comfort and refinement and don’t care one bit for driving engagement, we’ve got the vehicle for you. Some have said this is the Toyota Camry that went to private school. There’s a petrol and a petrol hybrid engine on offer, with the latter boasting fantastic fuel economy. However, the battery does eat into the boot space a bit. Lexus sedans come fully loaded, with no options.
Read our review of the Lexus ES here
- Price range: R741 500 – R976 900
- Pick of the range: 300h EX offers 4.6 L/100 km
- Reason to buy: Lots of passenger space, refinement and comfort galore, hybrid engine available, standard specification
- Criticisms: Not the most engaging of drives, hybrid powertrain takes up boot space
See specification and pricing details for the Lexus ES
Lexus IS
In the same vein as the Lexus ES comes the bold Lexus IS, however there’s a bit more focus on driver engagement. Did we mention those striking looks? Sadly there’s only one engine available, which is a pity as Lexus used to offer a glorious V6 in its IS sedan. As with the ES, Lexus sedans come fully loaded with standard spec.
Read a review of the Lexus IS hybrid here.
- Price Range: R906 100 – R987 500
- Pick of the Range: 300h SE
- Reason to Buy: Great looking, standard array of features and tech, hybrid refinement and efficiency
- Criticisms: Rear legroom is a bit tight, Lexus ES offers more space for less money, only 1 engine available
See specification and pricing details for the Lexus IS
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is something radical in this naturally conservative segment. With arguably the finest steering setup, breathtaking looks and a commendable 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, it’s by far the best to drive. The well-equipped cabin received a big update which hopefully addressed some of the first-gen gremlins.
Read our launch review of the Alfa Romeo Giulia here
- Price range: R1 014 900
- Pick of the Range: 2.0T Veloce
- Reason to Buy: Pretty styling, standard level of kit, the best to drive in this segment
- Criticisms: Only one derivative on offer, hit & miss ownership experience.
See specification and pricing details for the Alfa Romeo Giulia on Cars.co.za
