Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Range Rover Compete for Luxury SUV Supremacy at 2024 NAJA Awards

The battle for Nigeria’s top luxury SUV is heating up as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Range Rover gear up for a showdown at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards. The prestigious event, scheduled for December 11 at Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, will showcase the finest in automotive design, technology, and performance, highlighting the growing appetite for luxury SUVs among Nigeria’s elite.
Mercedes-Benz is bringing its GLS, a model known for its plush interior, cutting-edge driver-assistance systems, and smooth performance. BMW’s X7, on the other hand, emphasizes sporty elegance, precision engineering, and a powerful driving experience. Completing the trio is the Range Rover Autobiography, a blend of British craftsmanship and rugged luxury, designed to tackle both city streets and rough terrain with equal grace.
The luxury SUV segment has seen increasing demand from affluent Nigerians, and analysts believe the NAJA winner could influence consumer preferences in 2024. “The luxury SUV market in Nigeria is evolving rapidly,” notes automotive expert Tunde Ogunleye. “Winning this category isn’t just about prestige—it’s about shaping buyer perception and market dominance.”
While the spotlight is on the luxury SUV contest, the NAJA Awards will also recognize excellence across various other categories. Heavy-duty truck manufacturers like JAC, FAW, and Howo Sinotruk will compete for the Heavy-Duty Truck of the Year title, while local assembly plants such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, GAC Motors, and Mikano Motors vie for Assembly Plant of the Year.
Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd, and Perfection Motors are contenders for Truck Plant of the Year, reflecting the growing importance of local assembly in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Meanwhile, Chisco Transport, GUO Transport Company, and Okeyson Transport have been shortlisted for Transport Company of the Year, a category that underscores the significance of reliable transport services in Nigeria.
In the minibus assembly segment, Jet Systems, Innoson, and Nord are competing for Mini-Bus Assembly Plant of the Year, while standout product launches include the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Rumion, Toyota Belta, and Suzuki Vitara.
The compact SUV category features nominees such as the Kia Sonet, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Venue, with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chery Tiggo Pro 2, and Nord A9 vying for Outstanding Entrant of the Year. These categories reflect the diverse and competitive nature of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Theodore Opara, Chairman of the NAJA Awards Committee, highlighted the event’s significance: “Winning a NAJA Award is not just about prestige; it solidifies a brand’s position in an increasingly competitive and challenging market.” NAJA Chairman Mike Ochonma added, “We’re witnessing brands that were previously underrepresented making bold moves through customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms to enhance the purchasing experience.”
As the countdown to the 2024 NAJA Awards continues, the competition among luxury SUVs and other categories is set to captivate Nigeria’s automotive enthusiasts and shape the industry’s future.