Astrid

You’ve got the winning ticket in your hand — now, which million-rand car do you fancy? SA’s elite face deliciously expensive dilemmas. It’s a question that has plagued pondering minds for many years: If I won the lottery, what would I buy first? Some would splurge on a grand mansion, others on a year-long vacation. However, a select group of petrolheads would go for a collection of high-end luxury cars. And we’re not talking about a nice Audi or BMW. No, these vehicles belong to the highest echelon of motoring, cars that only the top 1% can afford. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t dream, right? A quick scroll through AutoTrader will identify several dream machines with astronomical price tags, cars that boast price tags usually worn by luxury homes. For the first four months of the year, the Ferrari Purosangue - the Prancing Horse’s first-ever four-door car - was the most expensive vehicle listed on AutoTrader. An exclusive machine, just a single unit, was listed on South Africa’s most trusted automotive marketplace, at R13,995,000, with a mileage of 1,000 km. For context, that could buy 78.2 examples of the Toyota Vitz 1.0, the cheapest vehicle on the South African new car market. Then again, the Vitz doesn’t have a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that delivers 533 kW and 716 N.m of torque, making it a one-of-a-kind offering in its class. It’s not the only SUV to make the list, with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan having the third highest average price, at R12,103,052. This hefty average price comes despite the significantly higher registration age of five years and higher mileage of 13,495 km (average). Interestingly, the Cullinan is the most expensive car on AutoTrader in the last two years, with a Black Badge variant listed for R17,000,000. “AutoTrader isn’t just a marketplace - it’s a place where car enthusiasts and serious buyers alike come to dream, explore, and connect with the world’s most iconic vehicles,” commented George …

Not all luxury SUVs are soft-roaders. These are built to handle more than just the school run. One thing is for sure in the poshest cities and suburbs worldwide: the roads will be crawling with luxury crossovers and SUVs. While many of these high-end pretenders look like they can go off-road, they would be flummoxed by a damp field or a muddy track. However, several luxury SUVs have capabilities similar to those of a military tank but an interior to match Hotel George V in Paris. Based on the latest data from AutoTrader, these are the best used luxury SUVs that can get from Sandton to Swakopmund without breaking a sweat. While pricey, these off-roaders are straining at the leash to get out of the Sandton City shopping mall and go exploring the wild, arid landscapes of Africa. Let’s take a look at these capable machines. “The modern luxury SUV isn’t just about image, it’s also about versatility,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “Customers want something that feels at home in urban traffic but won’t hesitate when the road runs out. Brands that understand this balance are the ones winning loyalty in a fiercely competitive market.” Die-hard and less than R1 million Toyota Land Cruiser 200 The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is one of the most sought-after and reliable SUVs money can buy. A pricey machine when it debuted in 2007, the high-end Japanese off-roader remained in production for more than a decade. Even the oldest, highest-mileage models continue to command a premium. With an average registration age of ten years and mileages around 176,695 km, one might expect prices to be more attainable. However, with an average used price of R934,066, the Land Cruiser 200 is one of those vehicles that hold their value. That’s partly thanks to its exceptional build quality, reliable engines—including a robust 4.5-litre V8—and outstanding off-road ability, making it one of the most desirable used SUVs available. Owners typically hold onto these vehicles for …

Understated, comfortable, and built to last—these are the kinds of cars that say more by saying less. The term “conspicuous consumption” has been around for decades, but it gained particular traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s—an era when greed was good, the stock market was booming, and yuppies were snapping up BMWs and Porsches in droves. While trends have evolved rapidly since then, many still equate wealth with flashiness, a stereotype fuelled by celebrity culture and social media influencers. With flashy jewellery and Lime Green Lamborghinis dominating our feeds, classic good taste often seems like a thing of the past. But a new trend, quiet luxury, is making a comeback. It prioritises quality, sophistication and subtlety over ostentation and excess. The question is: how do you bring this refined aesthetic to the road, without an outrageous price tag? Thanks to the latest data from AutoTrader, we’ve identified some used luxury cars that whisper good taste rather than shout for attention. For this list, we’ve focused on used cars with an average price under R600,000—models that offer premium comfort and presence without venturing into ultra-luxury territory. Sleek sedans that fly under the radar Infiniti Q50 The first entrant is a slightly unconventional choice, but the Infiniti Q50 presents a luxurious and compelling alternative to the ubiquitous BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. While Nissan’s premium brand is no longer officially available in South Africa, several Q50 models can be found on the used market, offering a range of engine options. The most common variant is the 2.0T, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 155 kW and 350 N.m of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Other options include a 2.2-litre turbodiesel and a potent 3.5-litre hybrid V6, the latter producing an impressive 263 kW and 546 N.m. With an average price of R202,038, the Q50 offers an affordable entry point into …

The future arrives in 2025: Volvo Car South Africa to expand electrified lineup with four new models on the way . Volvo Car South Africa will launch four new electrified models in the coming year, expanding its electric vehicle lineup. Releases include the rugged EX30 Cross Country, refreshed XC60 and XC90 SUVs, and the luxurious all-electric ES90 sedan. These launches reflect Volvo’s commitment to growth and electrification in the South African market under new MD Grant Locke. Following the launch of the all-electric EX90 seven-seater, Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is reiterating its commitment to the local market with the announcement of four electrified vehicles, set to arrive over the coming months. Under the leadership of newly appointed Managing Director Grant Locke, VCSA is accelerating its electrification plans locally while reaffirming that South Africa remains a key part of its global vision. “Our focus is clear: we are committed to offering South African motorists more choice as they make the transition to electric driving,” says Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “These new vehicles, paired with our ongoing investment in our local operations and services, underline the fact that we are here to stay and grow.” Volvo EX30 Cross Country The new product roll-out kicks off in the third quarter with the introduction of the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. Based on the award-winning EX30 electric SUV, the Cross Country builds on its success with enhanced capability, increased ground clearance, and model-specific styling that adds a rugged edge to the popular EX30. True to the spirit of the iconic Cross Country nameplate—first introduced on the XC70—the EX30 CC combines core Volvo values, such as comfort, practicality, and safety, with a more adventurous character. With a WLTP-estimated range of 427 km, the EX30 CC offers the freedom to venture beyond the city without compromising on sustainability. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a journey …