In a landmark achievement for German engineering and local manufacturing, the BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year, following a fiercely contested competition hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).
This marks BMW’s eighth overall win in the award’s 39-year history—and the second consecutive victory for the brand, following the 7 Series’ triumph in 2024. The X3’s win not only confirms its dominance in the premium SUV segment but also reinforces BMW’s growing legacy in the South African auto landscape.
🏁 Built in Mzansi, Celebrated Nationwide
The award-winning fourth-generation X3 (G45) is more than just a stylish SUV—it’s a product of local innovation. Manufactured at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria since October 2024, the X3, including its plug-in hybrid variants, is built exclusively in South Africa for both domestic and export markets.
Judges praised the model for its refinement, advanced safety tech, modern design, and a value proposition that outpaced its competition in a tightly contested field of 16 finalists.
🥈 Close Competition: Suzuki Swift and BMW M5 in Top 3
Coming in second was the ever-popular Suzuki Swift, celebrated for its efficiency and affordability, while third place went to the powerful BMW M5 Hybrid, proving BMW’s remarkable breadth across categories—from accessible luxury to high-performance motoring.
🏆 BMW’s Triple Crown: Executive and Performance Wins
The BMW X3’s win was just one part of a trifecta victory for the German automaker:
- The BMW 5 Series claimed top honors in the Executive Category,
- And the BMW M5 took the crown in the Performance Category.
This sweep further solidifies BMW’s dominance in South Africa’s 2025 automotive awards season.
🌍 Strategic Win for Local Industry
Beyond the accolades, the X3’s win reflects something bigger: South Africa’s rising profile in global auto production. BMW’s commitment to building the X3—and its electrified variants—at the Rosslyn plant not only fuels local employment but strengthens South Africa’s role in BMW’s international manufacturing footprint.
“The X3 is not just a global success story—it’s a proudly South African one,” said a SAGMJ spokesperson.
📈 What This Means for BMW and SA
With the X3 leading the way, BMW is setting a new standard for performance, innovation, and local impact. The 2025 Car of the Year title cements its place at the forefront of South African motoring—proving that luxury, sustainability, and local manufacturing can coexist seamlessly.
One thing’s clear: the BMW X3 isn’t just driving off with a trophy—it’s driving the future of South African automotive excellence.
