Overall winner: BMW X3.
Image: Anton Wannenburg / iShootstories
South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2025 is the BMW X3, and this marks the eighth time that the Bavarian brand has won the local competition in its 39-year history.
But why did the X3 take overall honours?
Based on the jury evaluation following two rigorous days of driving, it was actually the BMW M5 that scored the highest.
However, the competition, sponsored by Old Mutual since 2023, also has an automated scoring component based on extensive data sets supplied by Lightstone auto. This element, which accounts for 20% of the final score, focuses on value aspects, taking into account the vehicle’s features, pricing and actual sales figures versus its natural competitors.
This automated scoring process elevated the X3 to overall victory, with the M5 falling down to third place overall.
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists, which stages the COTY competition, described the X3 as a beacon of the local industry’s capabilities and exceptional manufacturing standards.
“The German sport-utility vehicle edged ahead in the scoring thanks to its high refinement levels, innovative design, high level of digitisation and relative value for money.”
Although its price, starting at R1,136,417 for the 20d diesel model and R1,260,000 for the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid, is on the steep side, it is positioned competitively within the admittedly overpriced premium segment.
While the 2.0-litre diesel is a popular mainstay, the 30d is both powerful and ultra-refined, while its 19.7-kWh battery allows a claimed electric range of up to 90km.
Its interior features a large curved display, unique ‘interaction bar’ and striking new lighting scheme, while safety is ensured by an expanded range of driver assistance features.
However there are downsides to the X3. The heavily digitised infotainment system is not the most user-friendly that we’ve encountered and some of the interior plastics, particularly on the front seat-backs, felt a bit cheap.
The X3 also sparked debate within IOL’s office, with many staff members divided over whether it’s actually a deserving winner.
Read IOL Editor in Chief Lance Witten’s take here: Why the BMW X3 might not be a worthy Car of the Year winner: a counterpoint
While the COTY competition is primarily centred around overall excellence, its relevance does come into question whenever a premium-branded car wins the overall prize.
For that reason the competition has six categories, covering a broad spectrum from affordable vehicles right through to luxurious sedans and SUVs, performance vehicles and 4x4s.
2025 Car of the Year Category Winners
- Budget - Suzuki Swift
- Family - Volkswagen Tiguan
- Premium - BMW X3
- Executive - BMW 5 Series
- Performance - BMW M5
- Adventure Utility - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Second and third place overall, went to the Suzuki Swift and BMW M5 hybrid, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO won the Enthusiast’s Choice award through a public vote.
While the overall winner is a coveted prize, the COTY competition also caters for a diverse range of needs.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL