This marks a second successive victory for the German manufacturer, with the 7 Series winning the 2024 title.

BMW holds the record for the manufacturer with the greatest number of SA Car of the Year titles, with honours dating back to 1988 when the 735i won the competition. This is the first time the X3 nameplate has been awarded the title.

Locally produced at the company's Rosslyn, Tshwane facility, the latest X3 is 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.

In second place… As the Fronx did in 2024, Suzuki managed a commendable effort with a respectable second-place ranking for their B-segment Swift. The latest hatchback is the fourth generation of the lineage to be sold in the South African market and has upped the ante considerably over its predecessor, particularly in the aspect of occupant safety, where six airbags are standard across the range.

In third place… Completing the podium is the BMW M5. The adaptation of hybrid technology has given this performance saloon a fresh dimension and increased relevance in the era of electrification. Jurors were wowed by the vivid acceleration, sumptuous cabin execution and dual-personality afforded by the powertrain, which enables zero-emissions driving, complementing the utility of its twin-turbocharged V8 motor. The M5 was also deemed the top pick in the special Jurors' Choice award.

In addition to the Top 3 overall victors, SA Car of the Year incorporates six main categories: Budget, Family, Premium, Executive, Adventure Utility and Performance.

The BMW X3, Suzuki Swift and BMW M5 are the top finishers in their respective categories: Premium, Budget and Performance.

In the Family category it was the Volkswagen Tiguan that received the highest overall score. The third-generation German model marks a significant evolution over its forebear, with modern styling, a cleverly packaged cabin and the availability of amenities not usually associated with the segment, such as massaging seats.

In the Executive class, it was yet another triumph for BMW, with the Series making the best impression on the jury for its polished dynamics, luxurious interior appointments and superior value in relation to its direct competitor.

Japanese manufacturer Toyota secured a win in the Adventure Utility segment with its vaunted latest-generation Land Cruiser Prado. The J250 series proved to have charmed the jurors with its retro-themed design character, improved comfort versus its predecessor, effortless off-road ability and stout powertrain.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO took the crown as the 2025 Old Mutual Insure Car of the Year Motor Enthusiast “People’s Choice” Award winner – and it’s easy to see why. Voted for by the public, this compact SUV ticked all the right boxes with its bold looks, feature-packed interior, great fuel efficiency, and unbeatable value for money.

Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the SAGMJ, congratulated all the winners and entrants, noting the strong representation of Mzansi's diverse market. "Each year brings better technology, improved quality, and a stronger focus on safety – showing manufacturers' commitment to safer roads."