The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
The all-electric SUV secured the top honour ahead of the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf (electrical vehicle - EV), reinforcing the growing dominance of electrified vehicles at the top end of the global market.
The win is a significant one for BMW, with the iX3 also taking the World Electric Vehicle title, giving the brand a double victory. Judged by nearly 100 international motoring journalists, the awards remain one of the most influential benchmarks in the industry.
Rather than relying on a single standout feature, the iX3 impressed with its overall balance the judges said.
Its electric drivetrain delivers strong performance and a range of over 450km, while fast-charging capability and improved efficiency make it a practical option for everyday use. Combined with a modern, tech-focused interior and SUV versatility, it represents the kind of all-round package that is increasingly defining the segment.
2026 category winners:
Electric vehicles dominated most categories, although not all winners were fully electric:
While EVs dominate, the performance category shows that not every segment is exclusively electric.
Recent World Car of the Year winners:
The shift towards EVs at the top level has been clear over the past few years:
With electric vehicles now winning consistently since 2021, the direction of travel is clear. The BMW iX3’s victory confirms that EVs are no longer emerging contenders, but the established benchmark in the global automotive market.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
Geely Auto South Africa (GASA) has introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new energy bakkie brand, to the South African market.
Ford’s next big electric vehicle push is less about a dramatic new badge and more about what happens behind factory doors.
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The Toyota Starlet has improved from zero to a four-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP's latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results. This follows a safety upgrade to make six airbags a standard fit.
South Africa's new vehicle market sustained strong momentum in August 2026, with aggregate sales increasing by 11,4% year-on-year to 57 898 units, says the Automotive Business Councill | naamsa.
South Africa’s new-vehicle market maintained its momentum in August, with aggregate sales of 57 898 units representing an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.
