PressClub South Africa · Article.
BMW X3 crowned 2025 South African Car of the Year.
Wed May 07 12:59:14 CEST 2025 Press Release
+++ BMW X3 is Car of the Year and Premium category winner +++ BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW M5 recognised as category winners +++ Consecutive COTY wins amid broader awards recognition +++
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Hailey Philander
BMW Group
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Author.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Midrand. BMW Group South Africa is proud to announce the BMW X3 has been named the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY). This recognition highlights the strength of the locally produced BMW X3 and the ongoing momentum of the BMW Group’s premium product portfolio.
Now in its 39th year, the South African Car of the Year Awards are hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. The awards recognise vehicles that set new benchmarks across key segments, with additional honours including the Jurors’ Choice Award and the Motor Enthusiast’s Choice.
Local hero
Produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn since October 2024, the BMW X3 continues to play a strategic role in both local and global markets. With both plug-in hybrid and internal combustion variants manufactured at the plant, the BMW X3 reflects BMW Group’s commitment to powertrain flexibility, production excellence and sustainable innovation. It also represents BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s continued evolution, supported by the reintroduction of a third production shift to meet growing global demand.
In addition to the BMW X3, the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW M5 were
also recognised at this year’s Car of the Year Awards. The BMW 5
Series was named the Executive category winner, while the BMW M5 was
awarded the Performance category win, Juror’s Choice
Award, as
well as third place overall.
“We are honoured to see the BMW X3 recognised as this year’s Car of the Year,” said Danny Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “This award recognises the legacy of excellence built into our operations in Plant Rosslyn, as well as the dedication of our associates to world-class production.”
Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa: “Our amazing achievements in the 2025 Car of the Year competition reflect the commitment of our teams at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and across BMW Group South Africa, as well as the trust our customers place in our brand. The overall Car of the Year win for the locally-produced BMW X3, as well as strong performances by the BMW M5 and 5 Series reinforce our efforts to remain focussed on delivering quality products that resonate with South Africans and to continue striving for engineering excellence.”
BMW holds the record with the most South African Car of the Year winners, dating back to 1988.
The latest accolades join a growing list of honours for BMW Group South Africa in 2025, including:
2025 CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys Awards
- Luxury Car: BMW 7 Series
- Premium Midsize SUV: BMW X3
2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
- Premium Crossover: MINI Countryman S ALL4
- Executive SUV: BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport
- Premium SUV: BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
- Performance Car: BMW M2 Auto
- Electric Vehicle: MINI Countryman SE ALL4