BMW iX3 is What Car? Car of the Year

The BMW iX3 has been crowned the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year, at the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards, held in association with MotorEasy.

Its victory, as the best new car to be launched in the past 12 months, was announced at a glittering ceremony – dubbed the ‘Motoring Oscars’ – at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane. It is the fourth time BMW has won the overall What Car? Car of the Year title since the awards were first held in 1978.

Previous winners were the 5 Series (in 2017), 3 Series (2006) and 7 Series (1988). BMW’s latest win is also the fifth time a fully electric car has been named Car of the Year by Britain’s leading consumer champion and car buying platform, What Car?, following on from the Kia e-Niro (in 2019), Kia EV6 (2022) Volkswagen ID Buzz (2023) and Renault 5 (2025).

The second-generation BMW iX3 has been developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV). Not only can it cover up to 500 miles on a charge, thanks to its 108.7kWh EV battery, but it can charge at up to 400kW, meaning 215 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford, said: “The premium electric SUV market is one of the most hotly contested, yet in so many respects the BMW iX3 offers a step change in capability.

“It combines a huge range with ultra-rapid charging; its new software improves everything from the infotainment system to safety; and despite being one of the most enjoyable SUVs of any kind to drive, it's also very comfortable. In short, it's a truly great car.”

David George, CEO, BMW Group UK and Ireland, said: “We are truly honoured that the BMW iX3 has been named as the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year.

“This award is especially meaningful given its prestigious reputation and What Car?’s rigorous testing process. Like the original Neue Klasse of the 1960s, the BMW iX3 represents the beginning of a new era for BMW, bringing significant advancements in technology, range and charging capabilities, while maintaining the unmistakable driving experience our customers know and expect.

“We extend our thanks to the entire What Car? team for this special recognition and look forward to showcasing the innovations of the Neue Klasse across the BMW product portfolio.” Other big winners on the night included the Kia PV5 (MPV of the Year), Land Rover Defender (Premium SUV of the Year), Porsche 911 (Sports car of the Year), Mercedes CLE Cabriolet (Convertible of the Year), Smart #5 (Family Electric SUV of the Year), Toyota Aygo X (Small Car of the Year) and Volkswagen T-Roc (Small SUV of the Year). The Volvo EX60, meanwhile, picked up the Reader Award, which goes to the most exciting upcoming electric car and was decided by a public vote.

Last year’s overall What Car? Car of the Year, the Renault 5, retained its Small Electric Car of the Year title. What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2026 in association with MotorEasy

Overall Winner:

Car of the Year: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport

CATEGORY WINNERS 
Small car - sponsored by MotorEasy: Toyota Aygo X 1.5 Hybrid Icon
Small electric car: Renault 5 52kWh Comfort Range Techno+
Family car - sponsored by MotorEasy: Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV Elegance
Small SUV - sponsored by MotorEasy: Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI 150 Life DSG
Small Electric SUV: Kia EV3 Standard Range Air
Family SUV - sponsored by Quotezone: Kia Sportage 1.6T Hybrid Pure
Family electric SUV - sponsored by MotorEasy: Smart #5 Pro+
Premium SUV: Land Rover Defender 110 D250 S
Premium Electric SUV: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport
Plug-in hybrid: MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE
Executive car: Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
Luxury car: BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport
Estate: Skoda Superb 1.5 TSI 150 e-TEC SE L
MPV: Kia PV5 Long Range Plus
Seven-seat SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid 2WD Premium
Coupé: BMW 4 Series 420i M Sport
Convertible: Mercedes CLE Cabriolet 200 AMG Line Premium
Performance car: BMW M3 Touring xDrive Competition
Sports car: Porsche 911 Carrera T

Special Awards: 
Reader Award - sponsored by Driftrock: Volvo EX60
Tow Car Award - in association with the Camping and Caravanning Club: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 193 4x4 SportLine DSG (7 seats)
Reliability Award - sponsored by MotorEasy: Honda
Safety Award - sponsored by Thatcham Research: BMW X3