
BMW grabs 40% share of South Africa's luxury car market in Q1
This success is amplified by Mini achieving a 6.2% market share, and BMW Motorrad attaining a 43.9% overall market share. Mini's product lineup was aided by the recent introduction of the new Mini Aceman and the Mini John Cooper Works.
Enhanced production capacity to meet global demand
BMW said part of its success in 2025 Q1 is due to the enthusiastic market reception of the new BMW X3.
A key driver of this success is the enthusiastic market reception of the new BMW X3. Fuelled by global demand and its pivotal role in the BMW Group's electrification strategy, production of the fourth-generation BMW X3 began in October 2024 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. Before its market introduction, the new BMW X3 achieved a high volume of pre-orders, indicating strong customer resonance.
The production of the new BMW X3 has been supported by the reimplementation of the third shift at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. This three-shift operation is projected to produce an average of 110 units per shift. This long-term commitment to electrification is evidenced by the BMW Group's global delivery of over two million electrified vehicles by 2024, including over one million battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, commented:
'We are grateful for the continued trust and enthusiasm our South African customers and global partners have shown in the BMW Group, supported by our retailer network's firm commitment.
'Our strong Q1 results, marked by clear segment leadership for BMW and positive momentum across Mini and BMW Motorrad, reflect the compelling appeal of our diverse product range and the passion of our team.
'We are inspired by these achievements and remain focused on delivering quality and contributing to a thriving automotive future in South Africa and beyond.'
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Khaleej Times
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- Khaleej Times
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Press another and the doors close on their own — an electronic chaperone. The cabin feels extraordinarily spacious. The rear is designed primarily for two, but an optional three-seat arrangement is available, along with rear privacy glass to keep out prying eyes. Our test example featured striking yellow-and-black leather upholstery, enhanced by up to 107,000 laser-checked perforations forming cloud-inspired, eye-catching 3D patterns. Below, a deep-pile lambswool carpet invites your feet to sink in, while above, the signature Shooting Star Headliner dazzles with hundreds of tiny LEDs. In the driver's space, you get a view of the classic structured dashboard, and everything you touch is authentic. That signature black-stained metal is also found on the organ stops, air vents, and door pulls. Start-up is via a button left of the slim-rimmed steering wheel; gear selection is done through a column-mounted stalk. POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE The Black Badge produces 29 PS and 50 Nm more than the standard model, thanks to its massive 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, now delivering a supercar-like 600 PS and 900 Nm. On the move, the steering is feather-light yet precisely weighted — you could guide it with a stiff finger. The Black Badge-specific Planar Suspension, with adaptive dampers and self-levelling air struts, delivers an even more agile version of Rolls-Royce's signature 'magic carpet ride.' What you notice — or rather don't — is the absence of ambient noise; it's all reduced to pin-drop silence. Despite weighing around 2.5 tonnes, stomp the right foot and it surges to 100kmph in under five seconds, raising its nose and squatting at the rear in the process. Activate 'Low' mode via the gear stalk and shifts quicken by 50 per cent at 90 per cent throttle, with a deeper, more assertive exhaust note. Still, I prefer a gentle foot and gracious pace — this is where it truly shines. 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