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.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
The battle between Chinese carmakers and their Japanese competitors in South Africa increasingly appears to be a fait accompli in favour of the newcomers from China.
Volvo Cars and Google are working together to shape a new generation of driving experiences by combining automotive engineering with artificial intelligence.
