History: All finalists for Car of the Year in Europe 2027 are electric. Which one do you choose?

We already know the finalists for the 2027 European Car of the Year. For the first time, there isn’t a single internal combustion engine model in the final round, as they are all 100% electric: BMW iX3, CUPRA Raval, Hyundai IONIQ 3, KIA EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID. Polo, and Volvo EX60. Have you noticed another detail? That’s right: there are no Chinese models among the contenders for the title.

Last year, the winner was the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which was available in both hybrid and electric versions. This isn’t the case with this year’s finalists, as none of them are multi-energy vehicles. Given the European market’s trend toward electrification, it’s possible we won’t see another internal combustion engine car win Car of the Year again.

With rising fuel prices, sales of electric cars have surged for months in the Old Continent, with companies like Renault and Volkswagen seeing demand increase at a much faster pace than expected. It’s also important to note that most brands are choosing to extend the commercial lifespan of their internal combustion engine models while focusing their investments on electric vehicles.

As a result, a large portion of the new models entering the market are of this type, which explains why all the finalists feature electric propulsion systems. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have already surpassed the combined sales of gasoline and diesel cars in the European Union and are getting closer and closer to matching Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).

Two models made in Spain

Two of the finalists, the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, are manufactured in Spain. Hyundai Group has also managed to get two of its latest models among the seven selected. Like the Raval and ID. Polo, the Hyundai IONIQ 3 and KIA EV2 are siblings, though they differ in body type: the former is a fastback while the latter is a standard SUV.

The BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 are direct competitors in the D-SUV segment; moreover, both are achieving significant sales success. Finally, the charming Renault Twingo stands out as the most affordable option among them. This is where its importance lies, as it is one of the few European electric vehicles with a price comparable to its Chinese rivals. We must also add its retro design, which has been well received by the public.

On November 25th and 26th, the jury members will be able to test the seven models at the Italian circuit in Balocco. The winner will be announced on January 8th at the Brussels Motor Show, as in the previous three editions. And you, who do you think will be the winner?

Source | COTY