01 October 2026

BMW i3 named Car of the Year

Awards

BMW i3 named Car of the Year, and it's now in Lloyd BMW showrooms

The all-new BMW i3 Saloon has been crowned overall Car of the Year at the inaugural CAR Magazine Genius Awards, and it has now arrived in our showrooms. Test drives begin towards the end of October, and you can get in touch today to reserve your slot.

Book your BMW i3 test drive

Be among the first to experience the new BMW i3. Contact your local Lloyd BMW team now to book your test drive for the end of October

Two major honours for BMW

BMW UK secured two major awards at CAR Magazine's inaugural Genius Awards. The BMW i3 took the headline Car of the Year title, its first major industry award win, and the BMW iX3 added Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Year. The 2026 Genius Awards mark the first time in CAR's 64-year history that the publication has ranked the best cars on sale in the UK.
The i3 introduces Neue Klasse technologies to the definitive BMW model. The 2.5-box saloon brings an all-new, cutting-edge design, outstanding driving dynamics, a broad spectrum of advanced driver assistance systems and a benchmark single-charge range of up to 563 miles (WLTP)*.

"CAR's Genius Awards recognise original thinking, innovation and brilliance, all of which the BMW i3 has in its spades. That's why it wins Car of the Year 2026," said Ben Miller, Editor of CAR Magazine. "The weight of expectation here was significant, with the 3 Series a standard-bearer for practicality, style and driving enjoyment for over 50 years. Could BMW deliver the same in an ultra-competitive, all-electric package at the right price? Turns out it absolutely could."

He continued: "The new iX3, already a multiple Giant Test winner in the pages of CAR, secures our EV of the Year award. And by combining much of the same long-range, fast-charging hardware with the kind of sparkling dynamics with which the best BMWs are synonymous, the i3 rightly secures the overall Car of the Year award."
Accepting the award, David George, CEO, BMW Group UK and Ireland, said: "We are deeply honoured to see the BMW i3 named CAR Magazine's inaugural Car of the Year at The Genius Awards. This accolade is especially meaningful as it celebrates a model at the very heart of the BMW brand. For five decades, the BMW 3 Series has set benchmarks in innovation, design and driving dynamics, and this latest generation continues that legacy with a truly compelling all-electric offering. We extend our thanks to the entire CAR team for this notable recognition."

BMW iX3: EV of the Year

Presenting the EV of the Year award, CAR Deputy Editor Piers Ward praised the iX3's innovation, including BMW Panoramic Vision and the intelligent packaging enabled by the Heart of Joy and other vehicle control computers, which reduce the need for traditional wiring. He also singled out its driving dynamics, noting that it "rotates sweetly as you work the steering and throttle", and summed up the judges' verdict as "genuine innovation, intelligently implemented".

The iX3 has now amassed 16 industry accolades since its UK introduction, including four overall Car of the Year titles.

Order yours at Lloyd BMW

Both award-winning models are available to order now. The BMW i3 50 xDrive is currently offered exclusively in First Edition specification. Based on the M Sport model, it adds standard-fit equipment including BMW Iconic Glow, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and AC Charging Professional, which increases the AC charging rate from 11 kW to 22 kW.

Ready to see it for yourself? Contact Lloyd BMW today to book your BMW i3 test drive, or to find out more about the BMW iX3