Cars

2026 World Car Awards: EVs Take Center Stage as Winners Are Announced

The World Car Awards are in, and 2026 makes one thing very clear: the shift is complete. Electric vehicles aren’t just competing anymore; they’re leading across every major segment, from performance to luxury to everyday usability.

Here’s a look at the winners that define where the industry is headed next.

World Car of the Year

BMW iX3

Power – 286 hp electric motor
Battery – 74 kWh
Range – 460 km (WLTP)
Drivetrain – Rear-wheel drive
0-100 km/h – 6.8 seconds
Charging – DC fast charging up to 150 kW

Other contender: Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Leaf

World Electric Vehicle

BMW iX3

Other contenders: Mercedes-Benz CLA EV, Nissan Leaf

World Luxury Car

Lucid Gravity

Power- Up to 800 hp
Range – Up to 700 km
Battery – 120 kWh
Drivetrain – Dual-motor AWD
0-100 km/h – 3.5 seconds

Other Contenders: Cadillac Vistiq, Volvo ES90

World Performance Car

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Power – 641 hp (boost)
Battery – 84 kWh
Drivetrain – Dual-motor AWD
0-100 km/h – 3.2 seconds
Range – 500 km

Other contenders: BMW M2 CS, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

World Urban Car

Firefly

Powertrain – Electric
Battery – 42 kWh
Range – 400 km
Focus – Compact urban mobility

Other contenders: Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV, Hyundai Venue

World Car Design of the Year

Mazda 6e

Battery – 68-80 kWh
Range – Up to 600 km
Drivetrain – Rear-wheel drive

Other contenders: Kia PV5, Volvo ES90

World Car Person of the Year

Oliver Zipse

BMW’s CEO takes the individual honour this year, and it ties in perfectly with the brand’s dominance at the awards.

Under Zipse’s leadership, BMW has managed a difficult balance, pushing strongly into electrification while keeping its core driving identity intact. The success of the iX3 reflects that approach: practical, refined, and built for real-world use.