2027 German Car of the Year: Electric cars win all five categories
Image: VW
Electric vehicles dominate this year’s “German Car of the Year” (GCOTY) awards: All five main categories in the 2027 GCOTY Awards, announced on September 22, 2026, were won by fully battery-powered models. The VW ID. Polo took home the budget category, the Kia PV5 won the compact class, the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC secured the premium rating, the XPeng X9 won the luxury category, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N won the performance category. The overall winner will be determined from these five vehicles and is expected to be announced in early November.
A total of 109 new models were up for selection, including more than 60 electric vehicles; hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and gasoline-powered cars were also competing. An official GCOTY announcement mentions an independent jury of 47 German and international automotive journalists who consider new models launched in the previous twelve months. According to event partner Bridgestone, more than 60 vehicles were tested in over 750 test drives conducted by 35 national and international industry journalists during a preliminary test in the summer.
In the budget category for new model series with an entry price under 25,000 euros, the VW ID. Polo outperformed seven competitors. This all-electric compact car took first place ahead of the similarly electric Renault Twingo and the Renault Clio.
The Kia PV5 won the Compact category for model series with a starting price between 25,000 and 40,000 euros. This all-electric model is available both as a passenger car and as a commercial vehicle. In the Premium class, ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 euros, the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC came out on top. The Luxury category for vehicles with a starting price above 70,000 euros was won by the all-electric XPeng X9, a seven-seater MPV.
The Performance category also went to an electric vehicle, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. In addition to the five main categories, the jury awarded cross-category prizes for specific features for the first time. The Geely E2 received the Value Award, the Renault Twingo won the Best Exterior Design prize, and the BMW iX3 was honored for Interior Design and Infotainment. The Škoda Peaq was chosen as Family Car of the Year, while the Porsche 911 Turbo S received the Best Powertrain prize.
The five category winners will now compete in two-day test drives to determine the overall winner. Thus, the final field consists entirely of battery-electric vehicles, ranging from compact cars and electric vans and premium SUVs to large luxury minivans and high-performance models.
Also interesting
About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
Reader interactions