The BMW iX3 has been crowned the 2026 World Car of the Year, with the announcement made on 1 April at the New York International Auto Show.
The all-electric SUV beat the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf to take the top honour, as voted by a jury of 98 international motoring journalists. 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:
• World Car of the Year – BMW iX3
• World Electric Vehicle – BMW iX3
• World Luxury Car – Lucid Gravity
• World Performance Car – Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
• World Urban Car – Nio Firefly
• World Car Design of the Year – Mazda 6e (not an EV)
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:
• 2025 – Kia EV3
• 2024 – Kia EV9
• 2023 – Hyundai Ioniq 6
• 2022 – Hyundai Ioniq 5
• 2021 – Volkswagen ID.4
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.
