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Having recently spent time in Los Angeles, getting behind the wheel of several shortlisted contenders, the announcement of the 2026 World Car Awards Top Ten and Top Five finalists feels particularly meaningful this year. Driving these vehicles in real-world conditions before casting my vote has once again reinforced why the World Car Awards remain one of the most respected benchmarks in the global automotive industry.
The World Car Awards, powered by Brembo, officially kicked off the final phase of the 2026 awards season with the reveal of finalists across six categories. The countdown now leads to April 1, 2026, when the winners will be announced live at the New York International Auto Show, with vote results independently tabulated by KPMG.
As the UAE motoring juror, I am part of a panel of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries, all of whom evaluate eligible vehicles through extensive test drives before selecting finalists via secret ballot. The process is rigorous, independent, and grounded in real driving experience, something I value deeply as a motoring journalist.
Daniele Schillaci, Chief Executive Officer of Brembo, summed it up perfectly, saying the World Car Awards represent “a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the automotive industry,” recognising brands that are actively shaping the future of mobility.
World Car of the Year 2026 – Top Ten Finalists
The shortlist for the coveted World Car of the Year title was selected from an initial pool of 58 contenders and includes a compelling mix of electrified, performance, and mainstream models:
Audi Q5 / SQ5, BMW iX3, BYD Seal 6 DM-i, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Hyundai Palisade, Kia EV4, Kia EV5, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota RAV4.
Category Highlights
The World Electric Vehicle finalists reflect how quickly EV technology is evolving, with strong representation from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan. The World Luxury Car category blends cutting-edge electrification with premium craftsmanship, while the World Performance Car shortlist ranges from high-revving sports cars to electrified performance SUVs.
Urban mobility also takes centre stage in the World Urban Car category, showcasing compact, innovative vehicles designed for increasingly dense cities.
All shortlisted vehicles are also eligible for World Car Design of the Year, with final design selections guided by an international panel of highly respected automotive designers.
What Comes Next
The Top Three finalists in each category will be announced virtually via World Car TV on March 3, 2026, before the ultimate winners are revealed in New York.
Having driven several of these contenders myself, I can confidently say this year’s finalists reflect where the industry is headed and towards smarter electrification, better design integration, and vehicles that balance innovation with everyday usability.
As a juror, being part of this journey, testing, evaluating, and voting is both a responsibility and a privilege. And as an automotive journalist, it is always fascinating to see how global perspectives come together to shape the final outcome.
The road to the World Car Awards continues, and I look forward to sharing more insights as we head toward the final reveal.
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