The BMW 7 Series has triumphed as the 2024 South African Car of the Year (COTY), capturing the title at a grand event in Johannesburg on May 8th. Among 18 strong contenders, the 7 Series stood out, earning accolades from the judges of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) for its exceptional performance throughout the evaluation. The Suzuki Fronx was the runner-up, while the BMW M2 rounded out the top three.
Charles Nortje, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insure (OMI) and a primary sponsor of the COTY for two consecutive years, celebrated the results of this year’s contest, noting significant advancements in automotive safety and technology.
“The winners of the 38th annual COTY competition deserve immense praise for their achievements in such a competitive field, featuring cutting-edge technology and superb value,” Nortje remarked.
This year’s COTY lineup included 18 finalists chosen from a diverse group of 80 vehicles, spanning categories such as Budget/Compact, Compact Family, Family, Premium, Adventure SUV, 4×4 double Cab, Luxury, and Performance. Notably, the increase in electric vehicles prompted the elimination of the separate New Energy category.
The category winners were:
- Budget/Compact: Suzuki Fronx
- Compact Family: Toyota Urban Cruiser
- Family: BMW X1
- Premium: Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Adventure SUV: Mahindra Scorpio-N
- 4×4 Double Cab: Volkswagen Amarok
- Luxury: BMW 7 Series
- Performance: BMW M2
The Mahindra Scorpio-N also clinched the “Motor Enthusiasts Choice” award, voted by the public in a social media campaign hosted by OMI, highlighting the growing role of consumer engagement in the competition.
Furthermore, the BMW 7 Series received the COTY Jurors Excellence Award, recognizing its outstanding driving experience, quality, and craftsmanship as evaluated by the jurors.
The judging process was enhanced with insights from Lightstone Auto, COTY’s partner, which provided data-driven market intelligence, helping to assess the relevance and value of products in their respective categories.
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the SAGMJ for the 2023 and 2024 COTY competitions, praised the industry’s commitment to high-quality, technologically advanced products. “This year’s category winners reflect the fierce competition and the automakers’ commitment to excellence, especially in the evolving market post-COVID-19,” Nortje added.
The 2024 competition also featured the OMI COTY Academy, fostering a blend of seasoned and new jurors from the digital world, which helps maintain the competition’s relevance and prestige among consumers.
“Celebrating BMW’s record-setting seventh overall victory in the COTY competition is a testament to their enduring excellence in the automotive industry,” Mabuza said, marking BMW’s success over multiple decades.
Mabuza closed by thanking all participants, sponsors, and members of the Guild, affirming the COTY competition as South Africa’s foremost automotive event since its inception in 1986.
