By Shereen Shabnam
The road to automotive glory is narrowing fast. The World Car Awards 2026, powered by Brembo, has revealed its top contenders across six fiercely competitive categories, setting the stage for one of the industry’s most anticipated showdowns. The winners will be crowned live on April 1st at the New York International Auto Show, with results independently audited by KPMG.
Behind the scenes, a global jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries—myself included, representing the UAE—has meticulously evaluated each eligible vehicle. The process? Rigorous, confidential, and rooted in real-world testing. Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci summed it up best: these awards are not just accolades, they are a benchmark for innovation, performance, and the future of mobility.
WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR 2026: THE TOP TEN
From an original pool of 58 contenders, ten standout vehicles now vie for the industry’s most coveted title:
- Audi Q5 / SQ5
- BMW iX3
- BYD Seal 6 DM-i
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia EV4
- Kia EV5
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Nissan Leaf
- Toyota RAV4
A diverse mix of electrified pioneers and refined SUVs, this year’s shortlist reflects a market in transition—where innovation meets everyday usability.
ELECTRIC EVOLUTION: WORLD ELECTRIC VEHICLE FINALISTS
Electrification continues its relentless surge, and the top five finalists prove just how competitive the segment has become – These models aren’t just efficient—they’re redefining what electric mobility feels like behind the wheel:
- Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
- BMW iX3
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Nissan Leaf
LUXURY REDEFINED
From cutting-edge EV flagships to timeless executive sedans, luxury in 2026 is both progressive and purposeful. Premium is no longer just about plush interiors—it’s about experience, technology, and presence:
- Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
- Audi A6/S6
- Cadillac Vistiq
- Lucid Gravity
- Volvo ES90
PERFORMANCE WITH PURPOSE
Electrification has entered the performance arena, but raw driving emotion remains firmly intact. Speed meets sophistication in a category where adrenaline still reigns supreme:
- BMW M2 CS
- Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
- Defender OCTA
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro
URBAN MOBILITY, REIMAGINED
Designed for dense urban environments, these vehicles blend practicality with personality. Compact, clever, and city-ready, these finalists prove that small cars can deliver big impact:
- Alfa Romeo Junior
- Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
- Firefly
- Hyundai Venue
- Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly
DESIGN OF THE YEAR: FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Each represents a bold vision of automotive design, where aesthetics and aerodynamics work in harmony. Evaluated by a panel of globally respected design experts, the following five vehicles stand out for their visual and conceptual brilliance:
- Firefly
- Kia PV5
- Lynk & Co 08
- Mazda 6e / EZ-6
- Volvo ES90
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
The journey now accelerates toward its climax. The Top Three finalists will be revealed in early March, before the ultimate winners are announced in New York this April—marking the 21st year of partnership between the World Car Awards and the iconic auto show. As NYIAS President Mark Schienberg notes, these awards spotlight the innovation and performance shaping the future of mobility.
