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.
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Two new off-grid, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have been switched on as part of the Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) network.
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Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Margins are shrinking, customers are under financial strain, and competition is intensifying across South Africa’s motor retail sector. Against this backdrop, dealerships are being forced to rethink how they remain profitable while still building customer trust and long term sustainability.
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.
