Locally Made BMW X3 Wins SA’s Car of the Year 

According to a press release from BMW Group South Africa, the announcement was made by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists, who run the annual Car of the Year (COTY) competition, now in its 39th year. 

The awards are all about recognising vehicles that go the extra mile when it comes to innovation, performance, and value – and this year, the locally made BMW X3 took top honours.

Car of The Year Awards in South Africa

And just to give you an idea of how big a deal this award really is – the SA Car of the Year competition has been running for 39 years! Next year will mark its 40th anniversary, which is pretty incredible. It’s basically the biggest automotive award in Mzansi, and every year it draws some of the best cars across all segments.

This year’s showdown featured 17 finalists, ranging from budget hatchbacks to luxury SUVs. While the BMW X3 took the top spot, just being a finalist in this competition is already a huge nod of approval. Interestingly, crossovers and SUVs dominated the lineup this time, showing just how much South Africans are loving that higher height and extra space these days.

The finalists were put through their paces at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane by a panel of 27 expert jurors – yes, actual humans who drive the cars, test them, score them, and argue (a lot) over who deserves the win. After the track tests and lots of number crunching, the final scores were verified by an independent auditor before the big winners were revealed at a fancy gala dinner.

Behind the Scenes

And while the BMW X3 won the premium category, a few other standouts were acknowledged too:

• Suzuki Swift took the Budget Car of the Year
• Toyota Prado won in the Adventure Utility category
• BMW M5 snagged both Performance Car of the Year and Jurors’ Choice
• The public favourite, aka Enthusiast’s Choice, went to the Mahindra 3XO
• BMW 5 Series won Luxury Car of the Year
• And the VW Tiguan walked away with Family Car of the Year

Jurors looked at everything from value for money to innovation, safety, performance, and more – and yes, they definitely did their homework. Most had tested these cars throughout the year, but the final track days gave them a chance to really compare notes and get a feel for which models stood out.

At the end of the day, BMW’s X3 checked all the right boxes. It’s tech-savvy, fun to drive, great value in its class, and built like a proper premium SUV. And the fact that it’s manufactured right here in SA just adds to the win – it supports local jobs and shows off what our automotive industry can do.

This win is a pretty big deal for South Africa’s manufacturing sector too. The Rosslyn plant has been producing the X3 since October 2024 and recently added a third shift to keep up with global demand. The factory makes both petrol/diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the X3, showing just how versatile and future-ready the local production line is.

“This award recognises not only the exceptional quality of the X3 but also the hard work of our local team at Rosslyn,” said Danny Bester, Director at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, in the press release. “It’s a proud moment for everyone involved.”

BMW South Africa’s CEO, Peter van Binsbergen, added that the wins show how much South African drivers value the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation – both on the road and in local production.

With this latest win, BMW continues to be the most awarded brand in South African Car of the Year history – a streak that started all the way back in 1988. It’s safe to say they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

A Review of the BMW X3

BMW’s latest X3 M range is packing serious substance under the hood. From the eco-conscious 30e plug-in hybrid to the thrilling M50 powerhouse, this locally built luxury SUV delivers the perfect mix of performance, comfort and tech. BMW’s own press release spilled the beans, and trust us, there’s a lot more to love. 

Dive into our full breakdown of what makes the new X3 lineup such a standout: Read More 

Final Thoughts

The BMW X3’s triumph at this year’s South African Car of the Year awards is more than just a win for the brand — it’s a powerful nod to local innovation, craftsmanship, and the evolving tastes of South African drivers. With a blend of performance, luxury, and everyday practicality, the X3 clearly resonated with both experts and the public. 

Its success highlights not only the strength of BMW’s lineup but also the importance of homegrown manufacturing at a time when the local auto industry is pushing forward on the global stage. As we gear up for the 40th anniversary of COTY next year, one thing’s for sure: the bar has been set high, and South African motorists are expecting nothing less than excellence.