The BMW X3 has been crowned as the 2025 South African Car of the Year winner, following two days of judging by a select group of South African motoring journalists.

The BMW X3 has been crowned as the 2025 South African Car of the Year winner, following two days of judging by a select group of South African motoring journalists.

This title marks a second successive victory for the German manufacturer, following the BMW 7 Series which scooped the title in 2024 and continues the brands success in this longstanding competition.

BMW holds the record for the manufacturer with the greatest number of SA Car of the

Year titles, with honours dating back to 1988 when the 735i won the competition.

The latest iteration of BMW’s X3 is produced locally at their Rosslyn, Pretoria facility. BMW’s popular SUV was scored favourably by judges thanks to its high refinement levels, innovative design, high level of digitisation and relative value for money.

One of SA’s fastest growing brands secured second place overall once again with the recently launched Swift following last year’s runner up, the Fronx into second place.

The fourth generation Suzuki Swift was favoured by judges for the way that it has been improved compared to its predecessor, particularly in terms of occupant

safety, with six airbags now standard across the range.

Grabbing third spot on the 2025 SA Car of the Year podium was the latest iteration of BMW’s super sedan, the M5. This model utilises the latest in hybrid technology to give

this performance saloon a fresh dimension and increased relevance in the

era of electrification.

Jurors were wowed by the vivid acceleration, sumptuous cabin execution and dual-personality afforded by the powertrain, which enables zero-emissions driving, complementing the utility of its twin-turbocharged V8 motor. The M5 was also deemed the top pick in the special Jurors' Choice award.

In addition to the Top 3 overall victors, the SA Car of the Year competition incorporates six categories including Budget, Family, Premium, Executive, Adventure Utility and Performance.

The BMW X3 claimed honours in the Premium category, the Suzuki Swift took the Budget category win and the BMW M5 scooped the Performance trophy.

In the Family category it was the Volkswagen Tiguan that received the highest

overall score and in the Executive category, it was yet another triumph for BMW, with the 5 Series making the best impression on the jury for its polished dynamics, luxurious interior appointments and superior value in relation to its direct competitor.

Toyota secured a lone category win with the latest Prado taking the win in the Adventure Utility category.

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