Why the BMW X3 is SA's Car of the Year

SOUTH Africa's Car of the Year for 2025 is the BMW X3, and this marks the eighth time that the Bavarian brand has won the local competition in its 39-year history.

- JASON WOOSEY

But why did the X3 take overall honours?

Based on the jury evaluation following two rigorous days of driving, it was actually the BMW M5 that scored the highest.

However, the competition, sponsored by Old Mutual since 2023, also has an automated scoring component based on extensive data sets supplied by Lightstone auto.

This element, which accounts for 20% of the final score, focuses on value aspects, taking into account the vehicle's features, pricing and actual sales figures versus its natural competitors.

This automated scoring process elevated the X3 to overall victory, with the M5 falling down to third place overall.

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists, which stages the COTY competition, described the X3 as a beacon of the local industry's capabilities and exceptional manufacturing standards.