A highly electrified choice for the 2027 Car of the Year
This is the first time in over sixty years for the European Car of the Year award that all models shortlisted for the 2027 edition are electric.
7 Electric Cars
BMW iX3, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID. Polo, and Volvo EX60 are the seven electric vehicles that the Car of the Year jury will need to decide between on November 25th and 26th, following tests held at the Balocco circuit in Italy.
It is worth noting that although Chinese brands (BYD, Changan, Denza, Leapmotor, Xpeng, and Zeekr), which are well-represented in the initial lineup, recently entered Europe, they have disappeared from this tier. The winning model will be unveiled on January 8 at the Brussels Motor Show.
For reference, the three previous cars to receive this recognition were the Mercedes CLA (2026), available in both electric and micro-hybrid versions, and the Renault electric models 5 E-Tech (2025) and Scenic E-Tech (2024).
The Losange, which had a model in the finals for six consecutive years, hopes its Twingo E-Tech will be the winner in 2027. Leading the brand, Fabrice Cambolive says, “With the Twingo, we took on a challenge that many considered impossible: to offer an attractive, technologically advanced European electric car available for less than 20,000 euros.”
A Special Context for Personal Mobility
Two groups are pleased to have two models in the finals. These are Volkswagen with its ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, as well as Kia-Hyundai with the EV2 and Ioniq 3. The EV2 is Kia’s ninth vehicle to reach the finals, six of which have done so consecutively in recent years. This electric car was designed, developed, and produced in Europe.
Soohang Chang, Kia’s leader for this market, sees EV2 easily making it to the podium next January: “With EV2, we apply the technology and experience from our electric vehicle lineup to a compact SUV designed around the daily needs of European customers.”
Overall, the seven finalist models reflect the current situation where fuel prices are under renewed pressure due to the conflict initiated by Donald Trump in the Strait of Hormuz. It is likely that the car chosen next January will be an energy-efficient, affordable model with some versatility, as well as enough boldness to add color to the roads.