TORONTO, Canada – March 18, 2025 – The automotive world is abuzz as the prestigious World Car Finals Powered by Brembo unveils the Top Three in the World finalists across six categories. This announcement marks the penultimate stage of the celebrated World Car Awards, with winners set to be crowned on April 16 at the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
The annual awards, determined by a panel of 96 distinguished automotive journalists from 30 countries, recognize the very best in global automotive innovation, performance, and design. The voting process, independently tabulated by KPMG, ensures impartiality and a true reflection of excellence in the industry.
A Celebration of Automotive Excellence
Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, expressed his admiration for the finalists, stating: “These awards recognize the best cars in the world, setting new benchmarks in technology, performance, and design. At Brembo, we are proud to support an accolade that honors such innovation, and we extend our best wishes to all participants as we eagerly anticipate the winner’s announcement.”
The Top Three in the World Finalists
World Car of the Year
- BMW X3
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
World Electric Vehicle
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Porsche Macan Electric
World Luxury Car
- Porsche Macan
- Porsche Panamera
- Volvo EX90
World Performance Car
- BMW M5
- Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
World Urban Car
- BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Mini Cooper Electric
World Car Design
- Kia EV3
- Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
A Spotlight on Design Excellence
The World Car Design category, one of the most anticipated awards, saw a distinguished panel of global design experts carefully curate the final shortlist. Featuring renowned names such as Anja Bracht, Gert Hildebrand, Tom Matano, Victor Nacif, and Shiro Nakamura, this selection process underscores the impact of design in shaping automotive innovation and desirability.
Countdown to the Grand Finale
The final winners will be revealed during a live ceremony at the New York International Auto Show’s opening media breakfast. Mark Schienberg, President of the NYIAS, emphasized the significance of the awards in celebrating automotive excellence: “Winning this award, judged by 96 of the world’s top automotive journalists, is a true triumph and the perfect way to launch North America’s first and most-attended auto show.”
As the New York Auto Show marks its 125th anniversary, the awards will add to the festivities, highlighting two decades of World Car Awards’ influence in shaping the industry. The journey to the finals has been extensively chronicled on World Car TV, offering audiences exclusive insights into the evaluation process and road tests of eligible vehicles.
The 2025 World Car Awards would not be possible without the support of its official 20th Anniversary Partners, including AITASTIC Research & Consult, Brembo, the New York International Auto Show, KPMG, and Newspress.
With anticipation mounting, the countdown is officially on. Which vehicles will claim the ultimate honors? All eyes now turn to New York, where automotive history will once again be made.
