The 2026 World Car Awards wrapped up at the New York International Auto Show, and the results are in.
Judged by a global panel of 98 automotive journalists, the awards cover six categories: World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Electric Vehicle, World Urban Car, and World Car Design of the Year.
For the first time in the history of the awards, every winner is a full electric vehicle. No internal combustion engine-equipped cars appeared in the winners’ column—a clear signal of the progress electrification has made in the automotive world and its growing relevance in today’s energy-conscious market. Without further ado, here are the standout winners of 2026.
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World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year: BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 marks the debut of the Neue Klasse design language. This premium all-electric SUV offers an 805km range and comes in single- or dual-motor variants. The xDrive version packs 462hp and 645Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100kph in just 4.9sec.
The BMW iX3 scored a double victory, taking home both World Car of the Year with 834 points and World Electric Vehicle of the Year with 828 points.
World Luxury Car: Lucid Gravity
The Lucid Gravity is a midsize luxury SUV that blends space, comfort, and versatility with sporty driving dynamics. Its 34-inch curved OLED display, expansive moonroof, and premium interior materials are complemented by an 828hp electric motor. The top-tier Dream Edition cranks that up to 1,070hp, rivaling some supercars.
The jury awarded the Lucid Gravity 786 points, cementing its place among the world’s finest luxury EVs.
World Performance Car: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is a driver-focused performance sedan with a dual-motor AWD setup delivering 641hp and 770Nm of torque. It features a virtual gear-shift system, electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), and a chassis engineered for sharp handling, along with fine-tuned enhancements to improve driver feedback.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N impressed the jury, receiving a total score of 783 points.
World Urban Car: Firefly
The Firefly, a sub-brand from EV manufacturer Nio, is a compact, fully electric hatchback built for city life. Safety is a priority, with nine airbags and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including automated parking. Its rear-mounted motor delivers 141hp and 200Nm of torque, while the battery provides a 330km range.
The Firefly clinched the World Urban Car award with 772 points.
World Car Design of the Year: Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e is widely considered the first EV from Japanese carmaker to embrace the brand’s Kodo design philosophy. With sleek body lines, an illuminated grille, and a spacious, ergonomic interior, the 6e is as beautiful as it is functional. Its fastback sedan form houses a rear-mounted electric motor producing 254hp and 320Nm of torque.
“We believe that the sculptural beauty created by human hands and the precision craftsmanship unique to the Kodo design has further strengthened the connection between people and cars, even in the era of electrification,” said Mazda chief designer Yoshito Iwauchi.
The Mazda 6e scored 321 points out of 90 candidates, winning the World Car Design of the Year award.
