Even before the new iX3 reaches customers, it has a real chance of winning an important trophy. The second generation of BMW’s electric crossover is one of the ten finalists for the 2026 World Car of the Year. Munich’s first new class model of the modern era also has a chance of winning the 2026 World Electric Vehicle title.
The 2026 iX3 isn’t the only BMW model that made it. The M Division is represented by the M2 CS, which will compete for the 2026 World Performance Car title. Organizers will announce the winners of all categories on April 1 during the New York Auto Show. In the meantime, they will announce a shorter list of finalists on March 3rd.
To receive the 2026 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award, the BMW iX3 must beat these nine models:
- Audi Q5 / SQ5
- BYD Seal 6 DM-i
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia EV4
- Kia EV5
- Mercedes CLA
- Nissan Leaf
- Toyota RAV4
In the “World Electric Vehicle 2026” category, the new iX3 competes against these four vehicles:
- Audi A6 E-Tron / S6 E-Tron
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Mercedes CLA
- Nissan Leaf
Alongside the iX3, the M2 CS competes for World Performance Car 2026 with an eclectic mix of four models:
What is somewhat surprising and disappointing is that BMW does not have a finalist for the World Luxury Car Award 2026:
- Audi A6 E-Tron / S6 E-Tron
- Audi A6/S6
- Cadillac Vistiq
- Clear gravity
- Volvo ES90
BMW is also missing from the list of World Urban Car 2026 finalists:
- Alfa Romeo Junior
- Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
- Fireflies
- Hyundai Venue
- Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly
These lists were compiled by a jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries who evaluated the vehicles and then selected the finalists in a secret vote. A sixth award, the World Car Design of the Year 2026 award, will be presented to one of these five finalists. Once again BMW is missing:
- Fireflies
- Kia PV5
- Lynk & Co 08
- Mazda 6e / EZ-6
- Volvo ES90
Whether these awards translate into higher sales is questionable, as in many cases they are little more than feathers on a car manufacturer’s cap. Still, winning the WCOTY Award certainly doesn’t hurt considering it brings with it free marketing and additional exposure.
Source: World Car Awards
