Why the BMW X3 might not be a worthy Car of the Year winner: a counterpoint
Image: Supplied
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.
The interior: futuristic but finicky.
Image: Supplied
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘Open our eyes and ears' – Ramaphosa on how to tackle US tariff hike on SA cars
In response to the incoming US tariffs, Ramaphosa said South Africa needs to look at other markets. South Africa will feel the wrath of the Trump administration as it stands firm on implementing the 30% tariff on exports to the United States (US). Other countries will also be affected by President Donald Trump's decision, as their export tariffs are increasing as well. In South Africa, the automotive sector will be significantly impacted, as some brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, export to the US. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, on Thursday, highlighted that the automotive industry has a significant impact on the country's GDP, as it contributes 4.9%. ALSO READ: US tariff of 30% on SA exports: where to now? Ramaphosa on US tariffs BMW Group SA hosted an engagement to highlight its commitment to strengthening South Africa's economic vitality and advancing its industrial innovation. 'The tariffs from the US have turned the world upside down and are a huge threat to us as well because we export a lot of products to the US, such as vehicles, agricultural products and mineral products,' said Ramaphosa. During his keynote address, he added that SA is the 22nd largest car exporter in the world. Ramaphosa added that the US market is important to SA; however, it is time to diversify the country's export base and accelerate domestic value creation. 'As we face this threat of higher tariffs, we need to open our eyes and ears and see where else our vehicles can go.' SA government engaging on US tariffs Ramaphosa added that producers of some industries have already felt the pressure of the incoming US tariffs. He said the South African government is engaging with the US, and he hopes this will yield success in the coming days. 'We need to look at other markets, and being an African country, with an African continental free-trade, we have got to see how we open up the rest of the continent, because we have a very positive tariff-free opportunity with the rest.' He applauded BMW for exporting the new X3 to Europe. He said that exporting cars to other countries demonstrates trust in the skills South Africans possess and highlights the industry's potential. ALSO READ: Devastating impact of US tariffs on SA automotive sector even before implementation BMW Group South Africa invited President @CyrilRamaphosa to a showcase of the successful implementation of the latest investment for production of the new BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at the automaker's plant at Rosslyn in Tshwane. — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 24, 2025 BMW not affected by tariffs Danny Bester, BWM plant director, told The Citizen that they are not affected by the US tariffs, as they are not currently exporting to the country. 'Right now, we are not affected by the US tariffs because most of our volumes are going to other parts of the world, like Europe, Australia and New Zealand.' He added that they would like to have access to the American market. However, they have sent 16% of the current generation to the US. When asked if they will be looking into expanding in the future, Bester said BMW is aiming to build a new record volume by the end of the year. NOW READ: Mercedes-Benz halts production in Eastern Cape – Will employees be paid?
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa positions itself as a global hub for new energy vehicles, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Image: Willem van de Putte President Cyril Ramaphosa says that with the electric vehicle white paper and the incentive programme, the country has committed to a stable, predictable and supportive framework for companies to be able to invest and grow in South Africa. Speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, with the theme 'A strategic vision for South Africa's automotive future', he was quick to praise the company for the work they have been doing. BMW South Africa manufactures the X3 range of SUVs, exporting them to more than 24 different countries around the world. More importantly, they are the sole manufacturer for the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid. Transformation 'We are on an exciting journey of transformation, change, and development in numerous ways, and your efforts have been pivotal in driving this transformation forward. 'The automotive sector serves as the cornerstone of our industrial strategy, accounting for 4.9% of our GDP and directly supporting over 115 000 manufacturing jobs. Its impact extends far beyond these figures, affecting the livelihoods of more than half a million individuals throughout the value chain,' he said. 'South Africa stands as the 22nd largest vehicle exporter in the world, with key markets including the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. Moreover, the African continent, particularly within the SADC region, is emerging as an increasingly important export market. 'We have successfully positioned ourselves as a globally competitive hub for automotive manufacturing, and the BMW Group has played an essential role in this significant journey.' Referring to New Energy Vehicles, Ramaphosa said: 'The transition to green mobility and the electrification of vehicle production aligns with our global commitment to reducing emissions and supporting the shift towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, and we are proud to be part of this important movement. Next Stay Close ✕ Ideally positioned 'We are truly encouraged by the significant milestones achieved by the BMW Group. As the shift towards battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen mobility gains momentum, South Africa is ideally positioned as a vital global manufacturing hub for the future of mobility. 'We are dedicated to creating an enabling regulatory and policy environment that facilitates innovation and creativity, allowing companies like BMW to play a leading role in this sector. 'Through initiatives like the Automotive Production Development Program, the recently introduced Electric Vehicle White Paper, and an accompanying incentive program, we are committed to establishing a stable, predictable, and supportive framework that encourages companies to invest, localise, and grow in South Africa.' Opportunity Ramaphosa added that the transition to NEVs offers an opportunity for the local component manufacturing sector, which has primarily focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) components. 'Given our substantial reserves of critical minerals, we have the potential to become a hub for processing and refining these minerals extracted from South African soil. Our goal is to enhance their value, allowing us to export finished products rather than just raw materials. We are in the process of finalising targeted incentives aimed at promoting battery cell localisation, manufacturing electric vehicle components, advancing clean mobility initiatives, and fostering research and design - all of which are essential for our growth in this sector,' he said. Trump tariffs Touching on the increased tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, he admitted that it would have a huge impact, but failed to elaborate. 'The United States is a key market for our vehicle exports, and it further underscores the need for us to diversify our export base and to accelerate domestic value creation as well. As we navigate the challenges of higher tariffs, it's crucial for us to keep our eyes and ears open to explore new markets for our vehicles. While it's encouraging that the X3 is being exported to Europe, we also need to focus on expanding into the African market.' Speaking to the employees, the President said that the plant was a vote of confidence in their abilities. 'The production locally of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid is a symbol of trust, a trust in the skills all of you have and a vote of confidence in our partnerships and our potential,' he concluded.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa hails BMW's R4. 2bn EV investment as vote of confidence in SA economy
President Cyril Ramaphosa at addressed a launch BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria on Thursday. Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded BMW's latest investment in its Rosslyn plant as a "powerful symbol of trust" in South Africa's industrial future, calling it a major step in the country's green industrial revolution. Speaking at the plant in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa celebrated the start of local production of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid. The president praised the German carmaker's R4.2 billion investment, saying it underscored South Africa's growing role as a competitive global hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. 'BMW's roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African. You are building more than cars. You are building a legacy of excellence, inclusion and hope,' he said. The automotive sector contributes nearly 5% to GDP and supports over half a million jobs. As global markets shift toward clean mobility, Ramaphosa said South Africa must seize the opportunity to drive localisation, scale EV innovation, and deepen value chains through critical mineral beneficiation. 'We are finalising incentives for battery cell localisation, EV components, and clean mobility,' Ramaphosa said. 'South Africa is perfectly positioned to lead the mobility of the future.' Ramaphosa urged BMW and other industry players to expand their footprint ahead of the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference, noting the urgency of diversifying export markets in light of rising US tariffs. Ramaphosa also commended BMW's long-standing commitment to skills development. The Rosslyn Training Academy has trained over 2,000 artisans since 1978, with 300 new apprentices each year. BMW's Youth Employment Service programme has placed over 3,500 young people in jobs nationwide. 'BMW's investment is not only economic — it's transformational,' Ramaphosa said. With BMW celebrating over 50 years in South Africa, the President called the latest milestone a testament to resilient partnerships between business, labour, and government. 'As a GNU, we welcome your role in inclusive growth, transformation, and job creation,' he stated. [email protected] IOL
