LAS VEGAS, Nevada – January 8, 2025
The highly anticipated 2025 World Car Finals Powered by Brembo officially kicked off today, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward crowning the year’s most outstanding vehicles. The finalists across six prestigious categories have been announced, setting the stage for the ultimate awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on April 16, 2025.
An Elite Selection Process
This year, a panel of 96 esteemed automotive journalists from 30 countries meticulously evaluated a diverse array of vehicles. The selection process, managed by KPMG, involved secret ballots and rigorous professional assessments, ensuring that only the most deserving contenders advanced to the finals.
Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, emphasized the synergy between the World Car Awards and Brembo’s ethos, stating:
“The World Car Awards align perfectly with the core values and innovative spirit of Brembo. Your achievement is evidence of the same forward-thinking vision that motivates us every day. We wish all participants continued success in their endeavors.”
The Finalists: Excellence Across Categories
World Car of the Year (WCOTY)
From an initial field of 52 vehicles, these top ten finalists have emerged as the front-runners:
- Audi A5 / S5
- BMW X3
- Ford Mustang
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Mini Cooper Electric
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
- Volkswagen Tiguan / Tayron
World Electric Vehicle
A reflection of the industry’s shift toward electrification, these top five contenders stood out among 31 competitors:
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Porsche Macan Electric
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Volvo EX90
World Luxury Car
In the realm of opulence and innovation, these five vehicles made the cut:
- Lexus GX
- Porsche Macan
- Porsche Panamera
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Volvo EX90
World Performance Car
Delivering power and exhilaration, the top five are:
- Bentley Continental GT Speed
- BMW M5
- Ford Mustang
- Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
World Urban Car
Compact yet impactful, these finalists redefine urban mobility:
- BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Mini Cooper
- Mini Cooper Electric
- Suzuki Swift
World Car Design of the Year
Evaluated by a distinguished panel of global design experts, these five vehicles embody artistic and functional design excellence:
- Baojun Yunduo / Cloud / MG Windsor EV
- Kia EV3
- Mini Cooper
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
A Grand Celebration
The Top Three in the World finalists will be revealed on March 4, 2025, via World Car TV, and the winners will be announced live at the NYIAS. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the World Car Awards and NYIAS, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of North America’s first and largest-attended auto show.
Mark Schienberg, president of NYIAS, highlighted the event’s significance:
“Receiving a World Car Award from 96 of the world’s top automotive journalists is a major victory for all those involved and is a perfect way to open the New York Auto Show. Congratulations to the World Car team on more than 20 years of excellence, and best of luck to all the finalists!”
Powered by Partnership
The World Car Awards program thrives thanks to its 20th Anniversary Partners: AITASTIC Research & Consult, Brembo, NYIAS, KPMG, and Newspress. Their support underscores the awards’ continued commitment to celebrating automotive innovation and excellence.
As the countdown to April 16th continues, the journey promises to spotlight the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and vision that define the world’s leading automobiles. Stay tuned for updates as the finalists vie for the ultimate accolades in automotive achievement.
