It’s official, the BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year, and the celebrations have not stopped … or the debates, depending on which side you are on. Announced by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) and backed by Old Mutual Insure, the award is now in its 39th year, and BMW’s eighth win. The victory is especially sweet given it’s built right here in Mzansi at the Rosslyn plant. Local is lekker.

While it ate the competition, the BMW X3 wasn’t the only car making headlines.

Second place went to the ever-practical Suzuki Swift, which also nabbed the win in the Budget Category. With six airbags as standard across all models and a price tag that won’t make your bank account cry, it’s a solid pick for the everyday driver who wants safety without the splurge.

In third place, BWM showed up big with the M5 Hybrid, which took the crown for the Performance Category and was voted the Jurors’ Favourite – mostly petrolheads.

Here’s the full lineup of 2025 Car of the Year category winners:
 Budget: Suzuki Swift
 Family: Volkswagen Tiguan
 Premium: BMW X3
 Executive: BMW 5 Series
 Performance: BMW M5 Hybrid
 Adventure SUV: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Mahindra’s XUV 3XO gets public vote
In another twist, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, a compact SUV, took home the Motor Enthusiast People’s Choice Award, voted for by the public.

While the competition was dedicated to all things metal, people who ensure that these cars get the recognition they deserve and bring a sparkle to the automotive industry were also recognised. John and Charissa Mulder of JOMU, won the Fleet Management Award while Eileen Gengan from Suzuki Auto SA, scooped the PR Award.