The World Car Awards recently announced a list of 56 vehicles competing in various categories for next year's awards. Notably, 27 of these models are from Chinese brands, underscoring their significant rise across multiple market segments.
To qualify for the World Car of the Year 2027 award, vehicles must achieve a minimum production volume of 10,000 units annually, be priced below luxury car levels in their primary markets, and be available for sale in at least two major markets across two different continents between 1/1/2026 and 19/3/2027.
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Geely EX2 and GAC Aion UT are two of the 27 models from Chinese brands included in the nomination list. *Photo: WM1*
The list of nominees for World Car of the Year includes: BMW i3, BYD Ti7, Chery Q, Cupra Raval, Deepal S07, Exeed RX, GAC Aion V, Geely Starray EM-I, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Jetour T2, Kia Telluride, Leapmotor T03, Lepas L6, Lynk & Co 900, Mazda CX-5, MG4 EV Urban, Onvo L90, Subaru Trailseeker, Volvo EX60, and Zeekr 8X.
The organizers also announced initial nominations for other categories, such as World Urban Car, World Luxury Car, and World Performance Car. Separate nomination lists for World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year have not yet been confirmed.
In the World Urban Car category, the nominated models include: Chery Q, Cupra Raval, Exeed Exlantix ET, Geely EX2, Hyundai Bayon, Hyundai Ioniq 3, iCaur v23, Kia EV2, Kia Syros EV, Leapmotor T03, and Mercedes GLA.
The World Luxury Car category features notable nominees such as: Audi Q7, Avatr 07 and 07, BMW X5, Genesis GV80 Hybrid, Jaguar Type 01, Polestar 5, Range Rover GT, Xpeng X9, and Zeekr 9X.
Meanwhile, the World Performance Car category sees the inclusion of: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X, Genesis GV60 Magma, Kia EV4 GT, Lotus Eletre X, Lynk & Co 02, Zeekr 7GT, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric.
Approximately 100 automotive judges from around the world contribute diverse perspectives to the evaluation process. This event marks the 23rd season, with judges expected to test drive eligible vehicles through January 2027. The top 10 finalists will be announced on 5/1, followed by additional test drives and voting rounds before the champion is named on 24/3/2027 at the New York International Auto Show in the United States.
*My Anh (via Autoblog)*
