The BMW X3 has roared to victory as the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY), securing back-to-back wins for the Bavarian marque after its G70 7 Series claimed the 2024 title. The prestigious accolade, decided by the nation’s top motoring experts following two intense days of evaluation in March, cements BMW’s legacy as the most decorated brand in COTY history, with its first win dating back to the iconic 735i in 1988.

BMW X3 wins SA Car of the Year

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Proudly manufactured at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane, the latest X3 – the first in its lineage to snatch the crown – shone as a testament to South Africa’s world-class manufacturing prowess. Judges praised its “refined craftsmanship, cutting-edge tech, and remarkable value”, propelling it ahead of rivals.

Suzuki’s plucky Swift hatchback sprinted to second place, lauded for its affordability and upgraded safety suite, including six standard crash bags. Meanwhile, BMW’s electrified G90 M5 hybrid sedan clinched third, impressing jurors with its “jaw-dropping acceleration” and eco-conscious hybrid drivetrain. The M5 also revved up a Jurors’ Choice award, praised for its “dual personality” – balancing zero-emissions cruising with V8 thunder.

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Beyond the podium, category winners showcased South Africa’s diverse automotive appetite:

  • Family Favourite: Volkswagen’s third-gen Tiguan charmed with massaging seats and sleek design.
  • Executive Elite: BMW’s G60 5 Series seduced with “peerless luxury and dynamic flair”.
  • Adventure Royalty: Toyota’s retro-styled Land Cruiser Prado conquered off-road trails and on-road comfort tests.

Mahindra wins Peoples Choice at SA Car of the Year

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In a public vote triumph, Mahindra’s XUV 3XO SUV stormed the Old Mutual Insure Motor Enthusiast Award. Voters adored its “bold swagger, tech-loaded cabin, and wallet-friendly price tag”.

Jerry Anthonyrajah, Old Mutual Insure’s Chief Commercial Officer, hailed the model for “bringing big-car energy without the big cost”, adding: “It’s a vehicle that gets South Africans talking – and driving.”

Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ), applauded the industry’s strides: “From hybrid innovation to six crash bag standards, manufacturers are raising the bar for safety and sustainability.”

An independent audit ensured judging transparency, with Lightstone Auto providing market insights.

The Suzuki Swift claimed second place overall at the SA Car of the Year

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Anthonyrajah emphasised the awards’ broader impact: “As a sponsor, we’re proud to celebrate vehicles that resonate with everyday drivers – whether it’s their first car or a hybrid leap forward.”

With BMW’s X3 leading a charge of groundbreaking models, the 2025 COTY awards not only honoured automotive brilliance but also spotlighted South Africa’s thriving motoring culture – where local craftsmanship and global innovation collide.

As Mabuza aptly concluded: “This isn’t just about cars – it’s about passion, progress, and the road ahead.”

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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