How South Africa’s 2025 Car of the Year Sparked a New Era in Local Auto Innovation

Every year, South Africa’s automotive scene gears up for its biggest moment: the Car of the Year (COTY) award. But this isn’t just about chrome, speed, or brand badges. It’s about what moves the nation. What car best fits the heartbeat of South African roads, drivers, and dreams?

Now in its 39th edition, the 2025 award—organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists and powered by Old Mutual—felt different. The stakes were higher. The entries were bolder. And the winner? A choice that’s already sparking garage debates and X threads across the continent.

From off-road beasts to city cruisers and electric rebels, this year’s competition wasn’t just tight—it reflected how far South Africa’s mobility story has come. In this post, we unpack the standout winner, explore the rigorous selection process, and highlight what the results say about where the industry—and the people—are headed.

Overview of the Winner

The BMW X3 emerged as the 2025 COTY, marking a significant achievement for the German manufacturer, which has now claimed the top honor eight times since its first win in 1988 with the BMW 735i. The 2025 winner, the new-generation G70 model, is locally produced at BMW’s Rosslyn facility in Gauteng, South Africa, highlighting the local automotive industry’s capabilities. According to IOL Motoring, the BMW X3 was lauded for its high refinement levels, innovative design, advanced digitisation, and relative value for money, edging out 16 other finalists in the competition.

This recognition affirms BMW’s sustained relevance in the South African auto landscape. Not only does it show that the brand understands consumer expectations, but it also reinforces the importance of local manufacturing in the global automotive economy. With production facilities in Rosslyn, BMW not only supports job creation but also contributes to South Africa’s GDP through exports and industry development.

Competition Process and Finalists

The 2025 COTY competition involved a rigorous selection process, beginning with 29 semi-finalists announced in late 2024. These were narrowed down to 17 finalists by early 2025. The selection process is comprehensive, evaluating vehicles over three days of intense testing at Zwartkops Raceway and surrounding public roads. Jurors assessed each car using a 32-question score sheet that considered design, technology, affordability, safety, and driving dynamics.

Unlike many car awards that pit vehicles against each other directly, COTY uses a category-based evaluation system. This approach ensures that every finalist is judged within its segment context, preventing budget cars from being unfairly compared to luxury vehicles. Eligible vehicles were newly launched models from 2024, excluding mere facelifts, to maintain focus on innovation and impact.

The judging panel, comprising 27 experienced journalists and four trainees, collectively brought over 220 years of automotive expertise to the table. Many of the jurors are also contributors to global car awards like the World Car of the Year, ensuring that South Africa’s COTY meets international standards. Importantly, the final results were verified by an independent auditor to preserve the integrity and credibility of the award.

Podium and Category Results

2025 BMW X3. Cars and Drivers

The top three overall winners demonstrated diversity in performance and affordability:

• 1st: BMW X3 – Lauded for its holistic appeal, tech integration, and local roots.
  
• 2nd: Suzuki Swift – A compact hatchback that punches above its weight in safety and value.
  
• 3rd: BMW M5 Hybrid – A performance machine that blends power and hybrid efficiency.
  

The Suzuki Swift, especially, stood out by winning the Budget category. The model was commended for incorporating six airbags as standard—a major improvement in entry-level vehicle safety. For a vehicle that falls under R250,000, this level of safety and fuel efficiency makes it a top pick for cost-conscious buyers.

BMW’s M5, meanwhile, made a powerful impression in the Performance category. With hybrid-electric technology supporting its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, the M5 represents how even performance brands are evolving in the era of electrification. This recognition reflects the shifting landscape where sustainability and speed now go hand-in-hand.

Additional category winners include:

• Family Car: Volkswagen Tiguan – noted for practical versatility and excellent ride comfort.
  
• Executive: BMW G60 5 Series – showcasing cutting-edge driver assistance and luxurious interiors.
  
• Adventure Utility: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – chosen for its all-terrain capabilities and durability.
  

Each category was tightly contested, and winners were chosen based on their ability to deliver excellence within their respective classes, not just raw specs or popularity.

People’s Choice and Emerging Trends

Adding public engagement to the process, the 2025 edition of COTY featured a People’s Choice Award sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. The Mahindra XUV 3XO took home this award, driven by strong public votes across social media platforms and online voting portals. The XUV 3XO’s appeal lies in its aggressive pricing, high fuel efficiency, and feature-rich package—making it a darling among budget-conscious, younger car buyers.

Public involvement in the award process bridges the gap between industry opinion and consumer perception. It allows market trends to be captured in real-time and highlights vehicles that may not win jury awards but hold high street-level appeal.

Market Trends and Manufacturer Diversity

This year’s finalists displayed an interesting trend: a strong shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs and EVs), alongside traditionally powered models. The inclusion of several Chinese automakers such as GWM, Chery, and Jaecoo also reflects South Africa’s growing openness to global automotive influences.

EVs and hybrids aren’t just future tech anymore—they’re a present reality. With rising fuel prices, environmental awareness, and increasing government incentives, manufacturers are prioritizing cleaner alternatives. The BMW M5 Hybrid and several semi-finalists from Chery and GWM underscore this shift.

Moreover, the SUV and crossover segment remains dominant. Consumers continue to demand vehicles that offer elevated driving positions, safety, and space. This trend is likely to continue into 2026, with more hybrid SUVs expected to enter the market.

Historical Context and BMW’s Legacy

The History and Evolution of BMW. Source: Bmenginework

The South African Car of the Year award, first presented in 1986, has become a prestigious badge of honor. It helps inform consumer decisions and highlights the strengths of manufacturers operating within the region. BMW’s legacy within the competition is unmatched: 8t overall wins spanning three decades.

What makes BMW’s continued success noteworthy is not just its product lineup, but its ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes. From luxury sedans in the 90s to performance-oriented hybrids and locally assembled SUVs today, BMW consistently finds ways to innovate.

Summary Table of Category Winners

Final Thoughts

The 2025 South African Car of the Year competition was a true mirror reflecting the nation’s evolving automotive landscape. From the rise of hybrids to the presence of global and local brands, this year’s results show that South Africa remains a vibrant and competitive automotive market.

BMW’s X3 wasn’t just a winner because of luxury or prestige—it won because it hit the sweet spot between innovation, local manufacturing, value, and consumer preference. As the country gears up for the 40th edition of the COTY in 2026, all eyes will be on how automakers respond to the growing demand for cleaner, safer, and smarter vehicles.

For now, the X3 holds the crown, but the road ahead promises fierce competition—and even more electrifying innovation.