Get ready to be impressed—the BMW iX3 has just been crowned the What Car? Car of the Year for 2026, and it’s not just another award. This electric SUV is turning heads for all the right reasons, but here’s where it gets controversial: can it truly redefine what we expect from electric vehicles? Let’s dive in.
The BMW iX3 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/ix3) stood out to What Car? judges for its staggering 500-mile range, lightning-fast 400kW charging capability, and its ability to deliver a driving experience that rivals some of the best large cars on the road. What Car? editor Steve Huntingford didn’t hold back, calling it a “game-changer in EV capability.” But is this enough to convince skeptics that electric vehicles are the future? Let us know what you think in the comments.
This isn’t BMW’s first rodeo with the What Car? award—it’s their fourth win, following the 5 Series in 2017 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/5-series-2017-2023), the 3 Series in 2006 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/3-series-coupe-2006-2013), and the 7 Series in 1988. It’s also the fifth time an electric vehicle has taken the top spot, proving that EVs are no longer just a niche choice. Speaking of EVs, last year’s winner, the Renault 5 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/renault/5), held onto its title as the Small Electric Car of the Year—a testament to its enduring appeal.
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the What Car? Award winners, because this is the part most people miss. From family cars to luxury SUVs, the list is packed with surprises. Here’s the full lineup:
What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2026
- Small Car (sponsored by MotorEasy): Toyota Aygo X (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/toyota/aygo-x) 1.5 Hybrid Icon
- Small Electric Car: Renault 5 52kWh Comfort Range Techno+
- Family Car (sponsored by MotorEasy): Honda Civic (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/honda/civic) 2.0 e:HEV Elegance
- Small SUV (sponsored by MotorEasy): Volkswagen T-Roc (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/volkswagen/t-roc) 1.5 eTSI 150 Life DSG
- Small Electric SUV: Kia EV3 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/ev3) Standard Range Air
- Family SUV (sponsored by Quotezone): Kia Sportage (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/sportage) 1.6T Hybrid Pure
- Family Electric SUV (sponsored by MotorEasy): Smart #5 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/smart/5) Pro+
- Premium SUV: Land Rover Defender (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/land-rover/defender) 110 D250 S
- Premium Electric SUV: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport
- Plug-in Hybrid: MG HS (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mg-motor/hs) 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE
- Executive Car: Tesla Model 3 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/tesla/model-3) Long Range RWD
- Luxury Car: BMW X7 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x7) xDrive40i M Sport
- Estate: Skoda Superb (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/skoda/superb) 1.5 TSI 150 e-TEC SE L
- MPV: Kia PV5 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/pv5) Long Range Plus
- Seven-seat SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/hyundai/santa-fe) 1.6T Hybrid 2WD Premium
- Coupé: BMW 4 Series (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/4-series) 420i M Sport
- Convertible: Mercedes CLE Cabriolet (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/cle) 200 AMG Line Premium
- Performance Car: BMW M3 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m3-competition) Touring xDrive Competition
- Sports Car: Porsche 911 Carrera T (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/911-carrera-t)
Special Awards
- Reader Award (sponsored by Driftrock): Volvo EX60 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/official-new-volvo-ex60-game-changer-503-mile-range)
- Tow Car Award (in association with the Camping and Caravanning Club): Skoda Kodiaq (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/skoda/kodiaq) 2.0 TDI 193 4x4 SportLine DSG (7 seats)
- Reliability Award (sponsored by MotorEasy): Honda (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/honda)
- Safety Award (sponsored by Thatcham Research): BMW X3 (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x3)
So, what do you think? Is the BMW iX3 the future of electric SUVs, or is there still room for improvement? And which of these award winners would you choose for your garage? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments!
