Shereen Shabnam
As the automotive world gathered at the prestigious New York International Auto Show, the spotlight turned to one of the industry’s most anticipated accolades — the 2025 World Car Awards. A symbol of global excellence, the awards recognize the best in innovation, design, sustainability, and performance. Selected by a jury of 96 top automotive journalists from 30 countries, the winners represent the future of mobility, shaping the roads and lifestyles of tomorrow.
As the UAE jury for the World Car Awards, I have had the privilege of test-driving some of the most exceptional vehicles across the Middle East and around the world — from the desert roads of Dubai to automotive showcases in Europe, Asia, and beyond. The World Car Awards is all about recognising innovation, emotion, and everyday brilliance on four wheels.
With categories ranging from urban design to full electric innovation, the 2025 winners reflect a bold evolution in craftsmanship and consumer expectations. Here is a closer look at the standout models that earned top honours this year.
World Car of the Year: KIA EV3
Kia continues its winning streak with the EV3, a compact electric SUV that beat out the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster to earn the 2025 World Car of the Year title. The EV3 was selected from a competitive pool of 52 vehicles across global markets, standing out for its smart packaging, accessible technology, and fresh design approach.
After driving the EV3, I found that it strikes the ideal balance between affordability and innovation as an electric vehicle with broad appeal without compromising on quality or aesthetics. It embodies Kia’s forward-thinking philosophy and commitment to EV leadership.
World Luxury Car: Volvo EX90
Volvo’s all-electric EX90 captured the 2025 World Luxury Car award, reinforcing the Swedish brand’s leadership in intelligent, sustainable luxury. Competing against the Porsche Macan and Panamera, the EX90’s edge came from its seamless integration of design, safety, and electrification.
More than just a premium SUV, the EX90 reflects Volvo’s vision of luxury that’s intuitive and responsible. With advanced driver assistance, a meticulously minimalist cabin, and exceptional electric range, the EX90 offers modern luxury that appeals to families and eco-conscious buyers alike, without compromising refinement.
World Performance Car: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
Few names carry as much weight in the performance world as Porsche, and the 911 Carrera GTS lived up to that legacy by clinching the 2025 World Performance Car title. Continuing the 911’s heritage, the GTS delivers raw driving emotion, mechanical precision, and timeless design.
Thanks to the USA Porsche team, I was able to drive the car in different modes and found that every gearshift, every corner, every burst of acceleration is a tribute to Porsche’s engineering mastery. In a category where power meets passion, the 911 Carrera GTS stands tall and remains a true icon refined for the modern era.
World Electric Vehicle: Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
With its third win in the World Electric Vehicle category, Hyundai further establishes itself as a trailblazer in EV innovation. The Inster / Casper Electric, selected from a competitive field of 31 entrants, impressed jurors with its practicality, efficiency, and city-friendly design. The Inster’s clever use of space, approachable pricing, and user-friendly tech make it the kind of EV that democratises electric driving. It is small in size, but big in impact, especially for urban dwellers seeking clean, modern commuting solutions – I took it into the hills near Angeles Crest Highway and it was a charm to drive there as much as in the city.
World Urban Car: BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
BYD made waves once again with its Seagull / Dolphin Mini, earning the 2025 World Urban Car award. As cities demand compact, efficient, and eco-conscious vehicles, BYD’s response is spot on, combining smart design with practical performance and I enjoyed driving this car in two different cities.
Last year, the Dolphin was a finalist, and the SEAL contended for the top World Car title. The Seagull’s win this year underscores BYD’s growing influence in accessible electrification, particularly in developing markets. It’s not just a small car – it is also a smart urban solution.
World Car Design of the Year: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Blending nostalgia with futuristic flair, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz took home the 2025 World Car Design of the Year. Voted from a long list of 122 global contenders, and shortlisted by a panel of five acclaimed design experts, the ID. Buzz pays homage to the iconic VW Microbus while ushering in a new era of electrified creativity. I drove the AI.Buzz in downtown LA as well as the mountains and it was a head turner everywhere we drove it to and gathered a crowd when we stopped.
The playful silhouette, bold color palette, and intelligent use of space make the ID. Buzz a standout, not just visually, but emotionally. It represents the spirit of fun, community, and reinvention, all within a sustainable framework. It is the kind of car that sparks smiles before the engine (or motor) even starts.
World Car Person of the Year: BYD’s Stella Li
The 2025 World Car Person of the Year honour was awarded to Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. Recognised for her leadership in expanding BYD’s global footprint and championing sustainable automotive solutions, Stella Li is a driving force behind the brand’s rising influence.
Her strategic direction has not only propelled BYD into new markets but has also reshaped how the world views Chinese automakers. Li’s vision for inclusive electrification and commitment to global innovation are setting new benchmarks and inspiring a new generation of leaders in mobility.
What makes the World Car Awards so significant?
Beyond trophies and accolades, the World Car Awards are a celebration of automotive excellence, diversity, and progress. Organised by a panel of 96 expert jurors from 30 countries, the awards ensure global representation and real-world testing. The voting process is tabulated by KPMG, adding a layer of transparency and credibility.
This year’s awards, held at the 125th anniversary of the New York Auto Show, added historic weight to the ceremony. As Mark Schienberg, President of NYIAS, remarked, “Winning this award, judged by 96 of the world’s top automotive journalists, is a true triumph and the perfect way to launch North America’s first and most-attended auto show.”
Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci added, “These awards recognize the best cars in the world, setting new benchmarks in technology, performance, and design… and we are proud to support an accolade that honours such innovation.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 World Car Awards offer a snapshot of where the automotive world is headed. Whether it’s performance, practicality, sustainability, or design, this year’s winners embody excellence across every facet of mobility. They’re not just cars of the year. They are cars of the moment, and in many cases, of the future.
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