The new BMW iX3 has been voted the 2026 World Car of the Year by an international jury of 98 motoring journalists.
It beat the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf, the two other top-three finalists.
The first Neue Klasse (“new class”) BMW model, the iX3, also won the World Electric Vehicle category.
The model impressed judges with its performance, driving dynamics and technology features. The car does not share a platform with any of BMW’s combustion-engined models and debuts the German carmaker’s sixth-generation eDrive technology.
It is powered by a 108.7kWh battery with two electric motors ― one on each axle ― for a combined output of 345kW and 645Nm, distributed to all four wheels. Performance figures include 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, a top speed of 210km/h and a range of up to 805km.
It marked the 10th and 11th title wins for BMW at the prestigious awards. In February, BMW chair Oliver Zipse was named World Car Person of the Year for 2026.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.