BMW iX3 named Top Gear’s 2026 Car of the Year.

The all-new BMW iX3 has been crowned Top Gear Magazine’s 2026 Car of the Year. The prestigious accolade was presented to the first Neue Klasse model at the publication’s annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the best cars launched over the past twelve months.

The BMW iX3 impressed judges with its all-new design, class-leading driving dynamics and the multitude of innovations it ushers for the brand. Handing over the trophy, Paul Horrell, Consultant Editor of Top Gear Magazine said, “The iX3 is wholly new. Above and beneath. Bumper to bumper. Ground to cloud. It has the magic 500-mile claimed range, an entirely new interior concept, but most importantly it drives like a BMW ought to - not like a bulky EV crossover, or soulless digital first zombiemobile. BMW's cars have always strived to be at the tip of mainstream excellence - the iX3 puts them back where they belong.”

The BMW iX3 once again raises the bar – setting new benchmarks in performance, range and technology while introducing a cutting-edge design language. Its advancements will shape the entire future BMW product portfolio and will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027, starting with the BMW i3 Saloon, which begins production in the second half of 2026.

On receiving the award, David George, CEO, BMW Group UK and Ireland said, “The launch of the new BMW iX3 represents more than just the debut of an exceptional new model – it signals the start of an exciting and transformative chapter for our brand. We are thrilled to receive the prestigious Car of the Year award for this milestone moment and would like to thank the entire Top Gear team for this special recognition”.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is priced from £58,755 OTR and can be preordered from retailers nationwide with first customer deliveries taking place on 7 March 2026. To learn more about the new BMW iX3, please click HERE.

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For further information please contact:

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk