PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
BMW i3 named Car of the Year at the inaugural CAR Magazine Genius Awards.
05.08.2026 Press Release
BMW UK has secured two major honours at CAR Magazine's inaugural Genius Awards, with the all-new BMW i3 Saloon crowned overall Car of the Year in its first major industry award win. The BMW iX3 added to the success by claiming the Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Year award. The 2026 Genius Awards represent the first time in CAR's 64-year history that the publication has ranked the best cars on sale in the UK.
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BMW Group
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Author.
Samuel Buckingham
BMW Group
BMW UK has secured two major honours at CAR Magazine's inaugural
Genius Awards, with the all-new BMW i3 Saloon crowned overall Car of
the Year in its first major industry award win. The BMW iX3 added to
the success by claiming the Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Year award.
The 2026 Genius Awards represent the first time in CAR's 64-year
history that the publication has ranked the best cars on sale in the UK.
With the new BMW i3, Neue Klasse technologies are introduced for
the definitive BMW model. The 2.5-box saloon, set to celebrate its UK
market launch later this year, brings an all-new cutting-edge design,
unrivalled driving dynamics, a broad spectrum of advanced driver
assistance systems and a benchmark single-charge range of up to 563
miles1 (WLTP).
“CAR’s Genius Awards recognise original thinking, innovation and
brilliance, all of which the BMW i3 has in its spades. That’s why it
wins Car of the Year 2026,” said Ben Miller, Editor of CAR Magazine.
“The weight of expectation here was significant, with the 3-series a
standard-bearer for practicality, style and driving enjoyment for over
50 years. Could BMW deliver the same in an ultra-competitive,
all-electric package at the right price? Turns out it absolutely
could. The new iX3, already a multiple Giant Test winner in the pages
of CAR, secures our EV of the Year award. And by combining
much of the same long-range, fast-charging hardware with the kind of
sparkling dynamics with which the best BMWs are synonymous, the i3
rightly secures the overall Car of the Year award,” he continued.
On accepting the headline award, David George, CEO, BMW Group UK
and Ireland, commented: “We are deeply honoured to see the BMW i3
named CAR Magazine’s inaugural Car of the Year at The Genius Awards.
This accolade is especially meaningful as it celebrates a model at the
very heart of the BMW brand. For five decades, the BMW 3 Series has
set benchmarks in innovation, design and driving dynamics, and this
latest generation continues that legacy with a truly compelling
all-electric offering. We extend our thanks to the entire CAR team for
this notable recognition.”
The BMW iX3 was also named CAR's EV of the Year 2026. In
presenting the award, Deputy Editor Piers Ward praised the model's
innovation, highlighting features including BMW Panoramic Vision and
the intelligent packaging enabled by the Heart of Joy and other
vehicle control computers, which reduce the need for traditional
wiring. He also singled out its driving dynamics, noting that the BMW
iX3 "rotates sweetly as you work the steering and throttle".
Summing up the judges' verdict, Ward described the iX3 as an example
of "genuine innovation, intelligently implemented".
The BMW iX3 has now amassed an impressive 16 industry accolades
since its introduction in the UK, including four overall ‘Car of the
Year’ titles, as the model continues to set the standard within its
segment.
Both award-winning models are available to order from BMW
retailers nationwide, with the BMW i3 50 xDrive currently offered
exclusively in First Edition specification. Based on the M Sport
model, the First Edition packages additional standard-fit equipment,
including BMW Iconic Glow, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and AC Charging
Professional – increasing the AC charging rate from 11 kW to 22
kW. The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition is priced from £57,905 OTR,
while the BMW iX3 40 can be purchased from £53,250 OTR.
Please click here
for further information on the BMW i3 and here
for more on the BMW iX3.
Ends
1. All data is provisional.
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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
Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications
Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk