BMW X3 clinches 2025 SA Car of the Year in dominant fashion
For the second consecutive year, BMW has claimed the prestigious South African Car of the Year (COTY) title, this time with its X3 SUV—proving yet again why the German marque remains a powerhouse in the local motoring scene. The win follows last year’s victory by the 7 Series, reinforcing BMW’s reputation for excellence.
Judged by a panel of the country’s most respected motoring journalists after two grueling days of testing in March, the X3 stood out for its refinement, advanced digital features, and strong value proposition. Notably, the winning model is assembled right here in South Africa at BMW’s Rosslyn plant, a fact that resonated with jurors.
The podium finishers: Swift & M5 nake their mark
While the X3 took top honours, the competition was fierce:
- 🥈 Second Place: Suzuki Swift – The plucky hatchback impressed with its generous standard safety features (including six airbags) and affordability, proving that budget cars can still pack a punch.
- 🥉 Third Place: BMW M5 – The high-performance sedan now features hybrid technology, allowing for electric-only driving in certain conditions while retaining its twin-turbo V8 roar. It also won the Jurors’ Choice Award, a special nod for standout vehicles.
Category winners: The best of the best
Beyond the overall winner, six categories highlighted excellence across different segments:
- 🏆 Budget Car: Suzuki Swift – The people’s champion for value and practicality.
- 🏆 Family Car: Volkswagen Tiguan – Praised for premium touches like massaging seats in a family-friendly package.
- 🏆 Premium Car: BMW X3 – A double win for the Bavarian SUV.
- 🏆 Executive Car: BMW 5 Series – Celebrated for its driving dynamics and luxury cabin.
- 🏆 Adventure Utility: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – The go-anywhere SUV, now with improved comfort and off-road prowess.
- 🏆 Performance Car: BMW M5 – Blending electrification with raw power.
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People’s Choice: Mahindra XUV 3XO wins hearts (and votes)
The Motor Enthusiast “People’s Choice” Award, decided by public vote, went to Mahindra’s XUV 3XO—a compact SUV that won over South Africans with its bold design, fuel efficiency, and feature-packed interior.
“From dual 10.25-inch screens and advanced safety tech to a panoramic sunroof and smooth drive, it brings big-car energy without the big price tag,” said Jerry Anthonyrajah, Old Mutual Insure’s chief commercial officer.
Why this competition matters
The SA Car of the Year awards aren’t just about crowning the best car—they’re a celebration of innovation, engineering, and South Africa’s role in global automotive manufacturing.
“Each year brings better technology, improved quality, and a stronger focus on safety,” said Mabuyane Mabuza, chairperson of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).
With 17 finalists narrowed down from an even larger pool, the 2025 competition proved that local buyers have more great choices than ever.
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The real winner? South African buyers
Whether you’re a luxury SUV buyer, a performance enthusiast, or a budget-conscious family driver, the 2025 SA Car of the Year winners prove there’s never been a better time to be a car lover in South Africa.
