BMW UK has kicked off 2026 in spectacular style, securing five prestigious accolades at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards. Leading the charge, the all-new BMW iX3 was named overall Car of the Year after topping the fiercely competitive Premium Electric SUV category. The evening also saw the BMW M3 Touring claim its third consecutive Performance Car of the Year title, the BMW 4 Series win Coupé of the Year for the sixth year running, the BMW X7 retain the Luxury Car of the Year crown, and the BMW X3 take home the coveted Safety Award.
BMW iX3: A New Era for the Brand
The headline-grabbing BMW iX3 marks a milestone moment for the brand as the first series-produced Neue Klasse model. Packed with cutting-edge technologies and innovations, the iX3 sets a new benchmark for premium electric SUVs. Since its unveiling, it has impressed with its combination of extended range, ultra-fast charging, and a refined driving experience, all wrapped in BMW’s unmistakable DNA.
Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, praised the iX3 for delivering a “step change in capability,” highlighting its intuitive infotainment system, enhanced safety features, and effortless comfort. David George, CEO of BMW Group UK and Ireland, said on accepting the award: “Like the original Neue Klasse of the 1960s, the BMW iX3 represents the beginning of a new era for BMW. It brings significant advancements in technology, range, and charging while maintaining the driving experience our customers expect.”
The iX3 will launch in the UK on 7 March 2026, with preorders now open, and it is the first of 40 new models and updates BMW plans to introduce across 2026 and 2027, including the BMW i3 Saloon later this year.
BMW M3 Touring: Performance Meets Practicality
Since its 2022 launch, the BMW M3 Touring has stood out as a rare combination of exhilarating performance and everyday usability. Winning Performance Car of the Year for the third consecutive year, it continues to impress judges with its handling versatility, savage acceleration, and practical family car credentials. Huntingford remarked, “The M3 Touring isn’t a jack of all trades; it’s a master of most, combining enormous fun with everyday usability.”
BMW 4 Series: Coupé of the Year, Again
The BMW 4 Series continues to dominate the Coupé segment, securing its sixth consecutive Coupé of the Year award. Judges praised its precise steering, balanced cornering, and responsive engines. Huntingford added, “Even the entry-level 420i is a delight to drive, which is a testament to the quality and refinement across the entire 4 Series range.”
BMW X7: Luxury Redefined
BMW’s luxury flagship, the X7, has once again claimed top honors in the Luxury Car category, following the BMW i7’s victory last year. Judges highlighted its combination of “luxury and power” delivering “effortless performance,” while the cabin was noted for its quiet serenity, generous interior space, and smooth ride, enhanced further by the optional Executive Drive Suspension.
BMW X3: Safety First
Rounding off a triumphant night, the BMW X3 earned this year’s Safety Award. The judges recognized not only its ability to protect occupants in a crash but also the advanced active safety systems that work seamlessly with drivers to prevent accidents. This collaborative approach ensures safety technologies are effective without being intrusive, a key factor in the X3’s accolade.
With the new BMW iX3 joining the current generation X3, UK customers now have an expanded choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, offering unparalleled flexibility across the BMW range.
A Stellar Start to 2026
BMW’s remarkable performance at the 2026 What Car? Awards underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation, performance, and safety. From electrifying the SUV segment with the iX3 to redefining luxury and performance, BMW begins the new year with a display of excellence that sets a high bar for the automotive industry.
