European Car of the Year: 63-year first as seven finalists announced

The 2027 finalists for the European Car of the Year award have been announced. For the first time in the award's 63-year history, all seven models competing in the final are 100% electric vehicles.

Following last year's winner, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the models competing to take over the European crown are:

• BMW iX3

• Cupra Raval

• Hyundai Ioniq 3

• Kia EV2

• Renault Twingo

• Volkswagen ID.Polo

• Volvo EX60

A FIRST IN THE AWARD'S 63-YEAR HISTORY

The 2027 finalists have made history in the award's 63-year history.

For the first time, all seven cars reaching the final are 100% electric models. This means that none of the vehicles competing in the final of the European Car of the Year award this year has a combustion engine.

According to the announcement, this development also reflects the rapid transformation taking place in the European market towards electric cars. The fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran has also contributed to the increase in the number of electric car users.

All jury members will meet at the Balocco circuit in Italy on 25 and 26 November to thoroughly test the seven finalists and carry out the evaluation process to determine the European Car of the Year.

Jury members will be able to cast their votes until 31 December. Each jury member will allocate a total of 25 points among the finalists and will be able to award a maximum of 10 points to any one model.

The winner will be announced on 8 January at the Brussels Motor Show, where the award ceremony will also take place.

The Renault Scenic won the award in 2024, followed by the Renault 5 E-Tech in 2025. Last year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, available with both electric and combustion engine options, took the title.