After two days of rigorous evaluation by South Africa’s most respected motoring journalists, the verdict is in: the BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY). This prestigious title marks back-to-back victories for BMW, following the 2024 win by the G70-generation 7 Series.
This milestone also reinforces BMW’s dominance in the competition’s history books. With wins dating back to 1988 – when the 735i first took top honours – BMW now holds the most titles in SA COTY history. And for the first time, the X3 nameplate joins the winner’s circle, making its victory all the more significant.
Proudly built at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane, the X3 stands as a symbol of South African manufacturing excellence. It impressed jurors with its premium refinement, tech-forward interior, high levels of digitisation, and a strong value-for-money proposition, edging out its competition across every metric.
Suzuki Swift & BMW M5 Complete the 2025 Podium
Just as the Fronx made waves in 2024, Suzuki once again delivered a crowd-pleaser with its Swift hatchback securing a solid second-place finish. The fourth-generation Swift has evolved significantly, especially in occupant safety, now boasting six airbags as standard across the range – a rarity in the B-segment.
In third place, the G90 BMW M5 dazzled the panel with its hybrid-infused twin-turbo V8, combining savage performance with everyday electric versatility. It earned the Jurors’ Choice Award for its thrilling acceleration, luxurious interior and the sheer duality of its drive – a track-ready beast that can cruise silently in EV mode.
Category Winners: A Celebration of Segment-Leading Excellence.
The SA COTY Awards also honour standout models in six core categories:
- Premium: BMW X3 – setting the bar with cutting-edge luxury and digital innovation.
- Budget: Suzuki Swift – proving that affordability doesn’t mean compromise on safety or style.
- Performance: BMW M5 – redefining the sports saloon with hybrid punch and timeless prestige.
- Family: Volkswagen Tiguan – a leap ahead with sleek design, a tech-savvy cabin, and even massaging seats.
- Executive: BMW 5 Series (G60) – delivering class-leading dynamics, luxury, and unmatched value.
- Adventure Utility: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) – blending old-school charm with next-gen capability and comfort.
The People’s Champion: Mahindra XUV 3XO Wins Motor Enthusiast Award
Taking the title in the public-voted Motor Enthusiast “People’s Choice” Award, the Mahindra XUV 3XO proved its mainstream appeal. With dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, top-tier safety tech, and a bold design, this feature-rich SUV won the hearts of everyday South Africans. Its blend of fuel efficiency and affordability made it an undeniable value champion.
Jerry Anthonyrajah, Chief Commercial Officer at Old Mutual Insure, says the award reflects the voice of the people:
“It’s the kind of car that gets people talking – and driving. We’re proud to honour vehicles that connect with real South Africans while reinforcing our commitment to accessible, customer-centric innovation.”
Celebrating Innovation, Safety and South African Spirit
Chairperson of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, Mabuyane Mabuza, commended all manufacturers, jurors and sponsors for a standout year:
“Every edition of the COTY competition showcases how far the industry has come – from world-class safety tech to design brilliance and sustainability. This year’s winners are a testament to that continued progress.”
With evaluation categories spanning design, engineering, innovation, performance, safety and value, and the insights of Lightstone Auto’s market data, the 2025 SA COTY results were also audited independently, ensuring full transparency and credibility.
As a long-standing partner, Old Mutual Insure echoed their support for local motorists and innovation on the road:
“These awards recognise vehicles that go beyond the spec sheet – those that make a real impact on people’s lives,” said Anthonyrajah.
