BMW Group UK has started 2025 on a high note, clinching four major category wins at the 47th annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards. The accolades cement BMW’s reputation for performance, luxury, and innovation while recognizing MINI’s exceptional reliability.
BMW M3 Touring: Performance Car of the Year
For the second consecutive year, the BMW M3 Touring has been crowned Performance Car of the Year. Praised for its versatility, dynamic handling, and power-packed twin-turbo straight-six engine, the M3 Touring sets a benchmark for all-around performance. Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, highlighted its duality: “Relatively compact exterior dimensions allow it to dance through corners, while its twin-turbo straight-six engine hits all the right notes. Yet the M3 Touring is just as capable of playing the practical and classy family car when circumstances demand.”
BMW 4 Series: Coupé/Convertible of the Year
Continuing its winning streak, the BMW 4 Series was named Coupé/Convertible of the Year, with its convertible variant clinching Best Convertible for the fifth year running. The second-generation model, updated in 2024, blends aesthetics, functionality, and driving pleasure. Huntingford commended its balanced performance: “The 4 Series is great to drive whether you go for the hard-top or the soft-top. Its interior combines high-quality materials with a class-leading infotainment system.”
BMW X7: Luxury Car of the Year
The BMW X7, introduced in 2022, solidified its status as the epitome of luxury, winning Luxury Car of the Year. With room for up to seven passengers and unparalleled comfort, the X7 sets a standard in the luxury SUV segment. Judges were particularly impressed with its premium feel and innovative Ultimate Pack, which enhances its air suspension for an even smoother ride. “The BMW X7 is the rolling embodiment of the sort of houses you see on TV’s Grand Designs,” they noted, lauding its spacious and meticulously designed interior.
MINI: Most Reliable Manufacturer
MINI’s reputation for reliability was underscored as it was named Most Reliable Manufacturer. According to the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, MINI had the lowest fault rate of any brand, with the MINI Electric achieving an impressive 98.4% reliability score. Huntingford noted, “MINI even showed that going electric is no barrier to producing dependable models.”
Additional BMW Recognitions
Beyond the four major wins, six other BMW models garnered accolades across various subcategories:
- BMW i7: Best Electric Luxury Car
- BMW iX: Family SUV Best Interior
- BMW i5: Best Executive Car Interior (second consecutive year)
- BMW 330e: Best Plug-in Hybrid to Drive
- BMW M240i Coupe: Best Performance Car for Value
- BMW 1 Series: Best Family Car Interior
BMW’s electric portfolio received notable recognition, showcasing the brand’s innovation in sustainable mobility without compromising on luxury or performance.
A Testament to Excellence
These awards underscore BMW Group’s commitment to delivering outstanding vehicles across all categories, from electrified luxury models to high-performance icons. For MINI, the accolades highlight its unwavering focus on reliability, even as the brand embraces electrification.
