By Staff Reporter
In a momentous win that underscores the power of South African manufacturing and German engineering precision, BMW Group South Africa is proud to announce that the BMW X3 has been named the 2025 South African Car of the Year. The accolade, awarded by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the BMW X3, which has been proudly produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn since October 2024.
Now in its 39th year, the South African Car of the Year Awards have become a benchmark of automotive excellence, recognising vehicles that raise the bar across performance, innovation, design, and consumer relevance. This year’s competition was particularly fierce, with contenders representing cutting-edge technology and shifting global mobility trends. Yet, the locally-built BMW X3 emerged victorious—not just as a segment leader, but as a symbol of South African capability on a global platform.
A Homegrown Champion with Global Reach
The BMW X3’s triumph is more than a testament to premium product design; it is also a celebration of the world-class capabilities at Plant Rosslyn in Tshwane. The plant, which has been central to BMW Group’s manufacturing footprint in South Africa since 1973, began producing the latest generation BMW X3 in October 2024. Offering both plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engine variants, the model embodies BMW’s strategy of powertrain flexibility, future-ready innovation, and environmentally-conscious mobility.
This strategic production shift was further bolstered by the reintroduction of a third shift at the Rosslyn facility, aimed at meeting escalating global demand. The win not only reaffirms Plant Rosslyn’s strategic relevance within BMW Group’s international network but also shines a spotlight on South Africa’s automotive manufacturing prowess at a time when localisation, sustainability, and job creation are key national priorities.
A Sweep of Awards for BMW
BMW Group South Africa didn’t just walk away with the top prize. In addition to the overall win for the BMW X3, the BMW 5 Series Sedan took top honours in the Executive category, while the BMW M5 stormed through the Performance category, captured the coveted Juror’s Choice Award, and secured third place overall in the competition.
Speaking on the significance of the multiple wins, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said:
“Our amazing achievements in the 2025 Car of the Year competition reflect the commitment of our teams at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and across BMW Group South Africa, as well as the trust our customers place in our brand. The overall Car of the Year win for the locally-produced BMW X3, as well as strong performances by the BMW M5 and 5 Series, reinforce our efforts to remain focussed on delivering quality products that resonate with South Africans and to continue striving for engineering excellence.”
A Legacy of Leadership
This year’s victory adds to an impressive legacy. BMW holds the record for the most South African Car of the Year wins, a streak that began in 1988. With each accolade, BMW continues to strengthen its positioning not just as a luxury automotive leader but as a brand deeply invested in South Africa’s industrial growth and technological future.
As the South African automotive sector navigates a rapidly shifting global landscape — one increasingly defined by electrification, smart mobility, and production localisation — the BMW X3’s win serves as both a celebration and a signal: that South Africa can compete at the highest levels of innovation, and that brands like BMW are not just building cars, but building a legacy.