The BMW iX3 has been awarded the prestigious Car of the Year title by What Car? for 2026, cementing its place as a leading electric vehicle in the market. The fully electric SUV impressed judges with its impressive 500-mile range, rapid 400kW charging capabilities, and overall driving experience, making it stand out in a competitive field.
Key Features and Recognition
According to What Car? editor Steve Huntingford, the iX3 represents a “stepchange in capability” for EVs, underscoring the growing maturity of electric technology. This is the fourth time BMW has secured the overall Car of the Year award, with previous wins coming in 1988 (7 Series), 2006 (3 Series), and 2017 (5 Series). The iX3 also marks the fifth occasion an electric vehicle has claimed the top prize, highlighting the shift towards electrification in the automotive industry.
Broader Award Winners
The 2026 What Car? Awards saw several other automakers recognized for their vehicles across various segments:
- Small Car: Toyota Aygo X 1.5 Hybrid Icon
- Small Electric Car: Renault 5 52kWh Comfort Range Techno+ (retaining its title from the previous year)
- Family Car: Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV Elegance
- Small SUV: Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI 150 Life DSG
- Small Electric SUV: Kia EV3 Standard Range Air
- Family SUV: Kia Sportage 1.6T Hybrid Pure
- Family Electric SUV: Smart #5 Pro+
- Premium SUV: Land Rover Defender 110 D250 S
- Plug-in Hybrid: MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE
- Executive Car: Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
- Luxury Car: BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport
- Estate: Skoda Superb 1.5 TSI 150 e-TEC SE L
- MPV: Kia PV5 Long Range Plus
- Seven-Seat SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid 2WD Premium
- Coupé: BMW 4 Series 420i M Sport
- Convertible: Mercedes CLE Cabriolet 200 AMG Line Premium
- Performance Car: BMW M3 Touring xDrive Competition
- Sports Car: Porsche 911 Carrera T
Special Recognition
Additional awards were given for Reader Choice (Volvo EX60) and Tow Car (Skoda Kodiaq), while Honda received the Reliability Award, demonstrating that longevity and practicality still matter to consumers.
The BMW iX3’s victory signals a broader trend in the automotive industry: electric vehicles are no longer a niche alternative but a serious contender for top honors, driven by improvements in range, charging speed, and overall performance.
