The BMW X3 Thread

South Africa's 2025 Car of the Year is . . .

The BMW X3 is South Africa’s 2025 Car of the Year.

The new-generation G70 model, which is built right here in South Africa, beat 17 other finalists for the overall prize.

This marks the eighth time a BMW has claimed the top honour in the competition, staged by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) for the past 39 years and sponsored by Old Mutual since 2023.

The Suzuki Swift took second overall place in the competition, while the BMW M5 hybrid secured third spot.

 
Why the BMW X3 won South Africa’s Car of the Year competition

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.

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.

“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.”

Although its price, starting at R1,136,417 for the 20d diesel model and R1,260,000 for the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid, is on the steep side, it is positioned competitively within the admittedly overpriced premium segment.

While the 2.0-litre diesel is a popular mainstay, the 30d is both powerful and ultra-refined, while its 19.7-kWh battery allows a claimed electric range of up to 90km.

Its interior features a large curved display, unique ‘interaction bar’ and striking new lighting scheme, while safety is ensured by an expanded range of driver assistance features.

However there are downsides to the X3. The heavily digitised infotainment system is not the most user-friendly that we’ve encountered and some of the interior plastics, particularly on the front seat-backs, felt a bit cheap.

 
Why the BMW X3 might not be a worthy Car of the Year winner: a counterpoint

I disagree vehemently with the decision to award the BMW X3 as South Africa's Car of the Year 2025.

For one, my understanding is that the winner is supposed to shift the goalposts in its class or for motoring overall.

First of all, the looks. Yes, appearances are subjective, but the design, for me, is bland compared to previous iterations and delivers none of the dynamism presented by its drivetrain.

On the performance front, of course, there is plenty of cleverness going on under the skin to deliver an engaging driving experience that is also comfortable - but it's a far cry from the engaged driving experience we've come to expect from BMW, particularly in as far as steering input and feedback is concerned.

Inside, I find the cabin far too finicky and gimmicky – why would BMW include additional actuators just to close the air vents? That's yet another electronic thing that can (and most likely will) fail over time and be ridiculously expensive to replace.

One of the other criteria is affordability – the X3 is simply out of reach for most consumers.

That being said, previous winners were also out of reach for all but a privileged few – 2024's BMW 7-series, 2020's Jaguar i-Pace, 2018's Porsche Panamera – but in all those cases these vehicles redefined their class, changing the game for their competitors and motoring in general.

 
REVIEW: BMW X3 30e PHEV is modern and sophisticated, with a few niggles

THE VERDICT

The new BMW X3 is a highly refined, sophisticated and innovative new SUV package that is now arguably the best vehicle in its class.

But given how the smaller BMW X1 has grown in terms of interior space while still being somewhat cheaper, at R828,899 to R1.18 million, I think there is a big argument in favour of its smaller sibling. Granted, the latter is still built on a front-wheel drive platform, but I don’t see that as being a deal breaker for most SUV buyers.

 
FiestaST said:
REVIEW: BMW X3 30e PHEV is modern and sophisticated, with a few niggles

THE VERDICT

The new BMW X3 is a highly refined, sophisticated and innovative new SUV package that is now arguably the best vehicle in its class.

But given how the smaller BMW X1 has grown in terms of interior space while still being somewhat cheaper, at R828,899 to R1.18 million, I think there is a big argument in favour of its smaller sibling. Granted, the latter is still built on a front-wheel drive platform, but I don’t see that as being a deal breaker for most SUV buyers.

Click to expand...

Having driven a front wheel drive x1 for a while, and the x3,

The front wheel drive doesn’t feel right, and it doesn’t sit as well in corners
 
FiestaST said:
REVIEW: BMW X3 30e PHEV is modern and sophisticated, with a few niggles

THE VERDICT

The new BMW X3 is a highly refined, sophisticated and innovative new SUV package that is now arguably the best vehicle in its class.

But given how the smaller BMW X1 has grown in terms of interior space while still being somewhat cheaper, at R828,899 to R1.18 million, I think there is a big argument in favour of its smaller sibling. Granted, the latter is still built on a front-wheel drive platform, but I don’t see that as being a deal breaker for most SUV buyers.

Click to expand...

Went to go look at a x3 yesterday, barring the hideous door card / handle area , it’s not totally crap

That said, Might have to wait until next year,child qualified for world championships (she does arial acrobatics) , so no extras for dad this year
 
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