All-Electric Finalists Dominate 2027 Car of the Year Award
For the first time in the 63-year history of the Car of the Year award, all seven finalists competing for the 2027 title are 100 percent electric vehicles.
Seven Electric Finalists Compete for the 2027 Title
The field of contenders vying to succeed the Mercedes-Benz CLA consists exclusively of zero-emission battery models. The seven vehicles selected by the automotive journalism panel are the BMW iX3, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID.Polo, and Volvo EX60. This roster highlights both the industry-wide push for electrification and a targeted focus on compact, accessible vehicles. Two of the finalists—the Cupra Raval and the Volkswagen ID.Polo—are manufactured at Seat's Martorell plant in Spain.
This all-electric final follows a steady climb in previous years. Renault claimed back-to-back victories with the Scenic in 2024 and the R5 E-Tech in 2025, before the Mercedes-Benz CLA secured the 2026 trophy with a lineup that included both electric and combustion options. The 2027 edition marks the first time that gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains have failed to secure a single spot among the final seven contenders.
Testing Grounds and Timeline at Balocco
The path to the winner’s podium moves next to the track. More than 50 specialized journalists from across Europe, including seven representatives from Spain, will test all seven finalist models on November 25 and 26 at the Balocco circuit in Italy. That testing session coincides with the organization’s general assembly.
Following the evaluations in Italy, jurors have until late December to cast their official ballots. The final winner will be announced on January 8 at the Brussels Motor Show, which is hosting the award ceremony for the fourth year.
Narrowing the Field From Thirty-Eight Candidates
The seven finalists emerged from an initial pool of 38 candidate vehicles that encompassed electric, hybrid, and traditional combustion technologies. Among the models eliminated before the final round were the Audi A2 e-tron, Denza Z9GT, DS Nº 7, Leapmotor B05, Mazda CX-6e, Skoda Epiq, and Volkswagen ID. Cross.
The jury now faces the task of comparing vehicles across vastly different market segments—from urban, relatively affordable options like the Cupra Raval, Renault Twingo, and Volkswagen ID.Polo to larger SUVs such as the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60. Jurors will score each contender based on technology, engineering, performance, equipment, and value for money.
