BMW iX3 Sweeps 2026 World Car Awards as EVs Dominate Global Honours

BMW iX3 has been named 2026 World Car of the Year, as battery-powered models took every major title at this year’s World Car Awards in New York. The iX3 also won the 2026 World Electric Vehicle award, while Lucid Gravity, Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, Nio’s Firefly and Mazda 6e/EZ-6 completed the list of winners across the core categories.autocarindia+4

BMW iX3: World Car and World Electric Vehicle

The BMW iX3 was voted 2026 World Car of the Year ahead of the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf, and also took the World Electric Vehicle title. Jurors cited its long driving range, fast charging capability and new electronic architecture, as a few of the keen reasons for winning the title. 

Reichelt, who leads the Neue Klasse project at BMW, said the iX3 “signifies the start of a new chapter for BMW regarding design language, range and charging efficiency, driver assistance systems, and user experience.” BMW noted that this double win adds to its overall tally at the World Car Awards.

Lucid Gravity: World Luxury Car

Lucid Gravity took the 2026 World Luxury Car title, ahead of the Cadillac Vistiq and Volvo ES90. Jurors pointed to its three-row cabin, long claimed range and charging performance, and its focus on comfort for up to seven occupants.

Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson earlier said that Gravity offers “an unprecedented combination of space and maneuverability, luxury, and versatility, all seamlessly integrated into one remarkable vehicle with the driving experience and range of a true Lucid.”

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: World Performance Car

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N was named 2026 World Performance Car, following the Ioniq 5 N’s success in 2024. The car uses a dual-motor setup with up to 641 hp through N Grin Boost, and jurors recognised its track capability and daily-use focus.

Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz has said the Ioniq 6 N aims “to elevate electrified performance while delivering an entirely new avenue for enthusiasts to electrify their passion.” 

Firefly by Nio: World Urban Car

Nio’s Firefly won the 2026 World Urban Car award, beating the Baojun Yep Plus/Chevrolet Spark EUV and Hyundai Venue. The jury evaluated compact models that meet length and production rules and are on sale in at least two major markets.

Daniel Jin, who leads the Firefly brand at Nio, said their goal is to make city travel “lighter, smarter, safer, and more in tune with everyday life.” 

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Mazda 6e/EZ-6: World Car Design of the Year

The Mazda 6e/EZ-6 secured the 2026 World Car Design of the Year title, giving Mazda its third design win and fifth World Car Award overall. A panel of design experts created a shortlist before jurors selected the 6e/EZ-6 ahead of the Kia PV5 and Volvo ES90.

Mazda chief designer Yoshito Iwauchi said the award acknowledges Mazda’s commitment to its Kodo design philosophy, which “emphasises sculptural beauty, craftsmanship, and a deeper emotional connection between car and driver.” 

The 2026 World Car Awards used a jury of 100 automotive journalists from 33 countries, with votes tabulated by KPMG. Vehicles must meet production, price and market-availability rules for each category before they enter multi-stage voting.

ACKO Drive Editor-in-Chief Siddharth Vinayak Patankar serves as Chair of the World Car Awards.