The winner of the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY) title is none other than the locally built BMW X3. Cue the applause and pop the bubbly, because this victory is a big deal… not just for BMW, but for the entire local automotive industry.
Assembled at BMW’s Rosslyn plant just north of Pretoria, the X3’s crowning glory is more than just a win for a premium SUV – it’s a nod to South African manufacturing excellence. The Rosslyn facility has been producing BMWs for decades, and this latest feather in the cap proves that local really is lekker.
Interestingly, while BMW as a brand is no stranger to the COTY winner’s circle – holding the most titles since the competition’s inception in 1986 – this is the first time the X3 has taken the top spot. In 2024, BMW scooped the win with the G70 7 Series, but this year, it’s the more lifestyle-focused X3 that’s stolen the limelight.
Strong contenders from Suzuki and BMW
Hot on the X3’s heels in second place was the spunky little Suzuki Swift, proving that good things really do come in small, budget-friendly packages. The latest generation of this popular hatch brings serious safety upgrades (hello, six airbags across the range), a sleeker look, and that ever-reliable Suzuki value.
Rounding out the podium is a different beast altogether: the new BMW M5, now packing hybrid power. This bruiser offers the best of both worlds: electric quietude when you want it and ferocious V8 grunt when you need it. Unsurprisingly, the M5 also snagged the Jurors’ Choice Award, highlighting just how much it impressed the expert panel.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO, meanwhile, claimed the hearts of the nation by winning the Motor Enthusiast’s “People’s Choice” Award, voted for by the public. With bold styling, loads of features, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry, the compact SUV seems to have hit all the right notes for everyday South Africans.
All the COTY 2025 category winners
As always, the COTY competition wasn’t just about the overall top three. Finalists were also judged across six key categories:
- Budget: The ever-reliable Suzuki Swift claimed top honours here, showing once again why Suzuki is becoming a go-to brand for South Africans looking for big value in a small package.
- Family: The Volkswagen Tiguan came out tops, and rightly so. Now in its third generation, this family SUV has gone upmarket, offering everything from slick styling to unexpected luxuries like massaging seats.
- Premium: Naturally, the winning BMW X3 leads this segment, comfortably ahead of rivals thanks to its balance of style, tech and performance.
- Executive: BMW scored yet again with the classy 5 Series (G60), praised for its composure, luxury, and solid value proposition in a segment where the bar is set high.
- Performance: The BMW M5 flexed its muscles and danced into the winner’s circle here, proving that electrification and performance needn’t be mutually exclusive.
- Adventure Utility: Now here’s one that’ll perk the ears of our overlanding tribe—the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado took top honours. With its throwback design, off-road prowess, improved refinement, and bulletproof mechanicals, it’s a worthy companion for any dirt road adventure.
A celebration of innovation and excellence
Now in its 39th year, the COTY Awards – hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure – are the gold standard for motoring excellence in South Africa. Behind the scenes, independent audits and data from Lightstone Auto ensure that every decision is transparent and based on merit. From budget buys to luxury rides, the 2025 competition showcased the incredible diversity and innovation present in South Africa’s motoring market. Whether you’re navigating Sandton traffic in a hybrid M5 or loading up the kids and camping gear into a Prado for a Kruger getaway, there’s a category winner ready to match your lifestyle.
