BMW Triumphs: What? Car Of The Year Awards 2026

BMW Triumphs: What? Car Of The Year Awards 2026

We are proud to announce that BMW has set the standard at the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, securing a series of prestigious wins that cement our position at the pinnacle of automotive innovation.

A New Era of Driving

BMW iX3 Named 2026 Car of the Year

At Dick Lovett, we have always believed that the "Ultimate Driving Machine" should constantly evolve. 

We are thrilled to celebrate a monumental achievement: the BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport has officially been crowned the What Car? Car of the Year 2026.

Being named the overall winner is the highest honour a new model can receive, and for the iX3 to take the top spot is a testament to the revolutionary "Neue Klasse" philosophy that defines this vehicle.

Setting the Standard

While the past year has seen many new arrivals in the electric SUV market, the iX3 has moved the goalposts further than any other. It doesn't just compete; it leapfrogs the competition with a total step-change in capability.

  • Unrivalled Range: The iX3 is the first electric production car to officially cover 500 miles on a single charge. Whether you’re commuting through the city or heading on a cross-country journey, range anxiety is now firmly a thing of the past.
  • Lightning-Fast Charging: When you do need a top-up, the advanced charging architecture ensures you’re back on the road in record time.
  • Next-Generation Intelligence: With a new onboard computer system packing 20 times the processing power of its predecessor, the iX3 "thinks" faster than ever. This means a more responsive infotainment system, more intuitive driver aids, and enhanced stability and agility on every corner.

Celebrating BMW’s Category Wins

Beyond the headline success of the iX3, the 2026 awards were a resounding celebration of the entire BMW range.

The commitment to high-performance engineering was recognised as the BMW M3 Touring Competition xDrive was named Performance Car of the Year for the third year running, while the BMW 4 Series continued its extraordinary dominance by being crowned Coupé of the Year for the sixth consecutive time.

The luxury and executive segments were equally well-represented. The BMW X7 claimed the title of Luxury Car of the Year, praised for its serene cabin and effortless power, and the BMW i7 was honoured as the Best Electric Luxury Car.

Looking inside the cabin, the BMW i5 took home the award for Best Executive Car Interior, proving that BMW remains the leader in driver-centric technology and premium craftsmanship. Furthermore, the BMW 330e was named Best Plug-in Hybrid to Drive, and our unwavering dedication to passenger protection was highlighted as the BMW X3 secured the prestigious Safety Award.

 

The Winners' Circle: Discover Our Award-Winning Line-up


Explore the individual category champions below and discover why BMW continues to lead the way in automotive excellence.


Experience Our Award-Winning Range for Yourself

The 2026 What Car? Awards have highlighted what we at Dick Lovett see every day: a BMW range that is more versatile, innovative, and exhilarating than ever before.

From trailblazing electric models to high-performance icons and refined luxury cruisers, our latest winners represent the very best in their respective classes. Whether you are interested in the groundbreaking 500-mile range of the all-new iX3, the breathtaking performance of the M3 Touring, or the refined luxury of the i7, our team is here to help you find your perfect match.

Register your interest below to book a test drive, request a personalised video tour, or speak with one of our BMW experts about our award-winning line-up.