BMW iX3 wins World Car of the Year (and Best EV too)
READ: BMW iX3 2026 Review by John Marcar
The BMW iX3 was a double winner at this week’s World Car Awards, with an international jury of 98 motoring journalists from 33 countries awarding it World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle.
The prizes for the iX3 were revealed as part of the 2026 New York International Auto Show, and represent BMW’s tenth and eleventh in the World Car of the Year awards and first overall victory since the 3 Series’ award in 2006.
BMW’s first Neue Klasse model was first presented at the IAA Mobility 2025 event and immediately impressed with its design, 500 miles of electric range, faster charging capability and interior tech, including its new BMW Panoramic iDrive display. Driven’s John Marcar was one of those left impressed after taking it for a spin earlier this year.
The iX3 came out on top ahead of the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf, with the three finalists being chosen from an initial list of 58 contenders for World Car of the Year.
credit: BMW
“The BMW iX3 marks the beginning of a new era at BMW”
Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW, said: “We are happy with this fantastic accolade for the BMW iX3, the first representative of our Neue Klasse. The BMW iX3 marks the beginning of a new era at BMW – in terms of design language, range, charging capacity as well as driver assistance – and BMW Panoramic iDrive. Above all, the BMW iX3 represents the next generation of Sheer Driving Pleasure powered by the Heart of Joy. The innovations from the Neue Klasse will benefit our entire product portfolio.”
Full list of winners at the World Car Awards
Lucid Gravity - World Luxury Car
credit: Lucid
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N - World Performance Car
credit: Hyundai
Firefly - World Urban Car
credit: Firefly
Mazda 6e - World Car Design of the Year
words: Mike Booth