EUROPE, October 30, 2026 — The European Car of the Year organization has announced seven finalists for the 2027 award, with every shortlisted model a battery-electric vehicle.
The finalists, listed alphabetically, are the BMW iX3, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID. Polo and Volvo EX60. The organization described the entirely electric shortlist as a first for the competition.
Seven all-electric finalists
- BMW iX3
- Cupra Raval
- Hyundai Ioniq 3
- Kia EV2
- Renault Twingo
- Volkswagen ID. Polo
- Volvo EX60
The seven vehicles were selected from the competition’s 38-car longlist announced on October 29. The longlist included vehicles with different types of powertrains, but the final selection consists entirely of fully electric models.
Selection process and award schedule
Before confirming its longlist, the Car of the Year organization evaluated prospective entries and considered how extensively its jurors had been able to test each vehicle. It said five potential candidates — Denza D9, MG IM6, Xpeng L03, GAC Aion UT and Xpeng X9 — would move to consideration for the 2028 award because a majority of jurors had not yet had sufficient opportunities to test them.
According to the competition’s published schedule, the seven finalists are due to take part in further test drives and manufacturer presentations at the Balocco circuit in Italy on November 25–26, 2026. The jurors’ final voting deadline is December 29, 2026, with the winner expected to be announced on January 8, 2027, subject to confirmation.
Successor to the Mercedes-Benz CLA
The winning model will succeed the Mercedes-Benz CLA, recipient of the previous award. The Car of the Year is decided by an automotive-journalist jury following vehicle evaluations and voting. The 2027 competition has not yet declared a winner.
The shortlist covers electric cars ranging from compact models to larger sport utility vehicles. The organizers did not announce final voting scores with the shortlist.
