In a significant development for the electric vehicle market, a premium SUV has claimed one of the motoring industry's most coveted accolades, beating out established rivals from Porsche, Tesla, and Audi.
Prestigious Recognition for Electric Excellence
Leading motoring publication WhatCar? has revealed its annual award winners, with the electric BMW iX3 securing the top honour as Car of the Year. This announcement comes during the traditional winter awards season when automotive experts evaluate vehicles for the coming year.
The iX3 represents a substantial achievement for BMW, with prices starting from £58,755. WhatCar? judges declared the vehicle had surpassed its competitors through what they described as "a stepchange in capability".
Technical Superiority and Range Breakthrough
Judges highlighted several key factors contributing to the iX3's success. The vehicle's impressive 500-mile range was particularly noted as potentially eliminating range anxiety for electric car owners. Additionally, the SUV's rapid charging capabilities and efficient driver assistance systems received significant praise.
WhatCar? concluded their assessment by stating: "Our winner is a car that will make you smile for any number of reasons and, more importantly, it'll keep you smiling in the way that only great cars do. That's exactly what the iX3 is: a truly great car."
Industry-Wide Acclaim
The WhatCar? award follows similar recognition from Top Gear, which named the iX3 its Car of the Year for 2026. Top Gear's consultant editor Paul Horrell commented on the vehicle's comprehensive redesign, noting: "The iX3 is wholly new. Above and beneath. Bumper to bumper. Ground to cloud."
Horrell further emphasised: "It has the magic 500-mile claimed range, an entirely new interior concept, but most importantly it drives like a BMW ought to - not like a bulky EV crossover, or soulless digital first zombiemobile."
Strategic Importance for BMW
Following the dual award success, BMW Group UK and Ireland CEO David George released a statement acknowledging the significance of this recognition. He stated: "The launch of the new BMW iX3 represents more than just the debut of an exceptional new model - it signals the start of an exciting and transformative chapter for our brand."
The iX3's success represents a notable achievement in the competitive electric vehicle market, demonstrating that traditional automotive manufacturers can produce electric vehicles that combine technical excellence with the driving dynamics expected from premium brands.
