The Auto World’s New Reality
While the influx of Chinese vehicles can provide buyers with affordable, tech-packed mobility options, it can also put pressure on competing automakers to cut costs to keep up. Regardless of how the situation is viewed, Chinese cars have a strong presence in the automotive landscape, reflected in the number of vehicles eligible for the 2027 World Car of the Year.
The World Car Awards have around 100 automotive jurors from across the globe, bringing diverse perspectives to the judging. The current list of candidates consists of 56 models, with Chinese marques accounting for 27 entries – nearly half the field. The pool widens further when other models with Chinese ownership ties, such as the Volvo EX60, are included.
BMW
List of Candidates
Those models include BYD Ti7, Changan Nevo Q05, Chery Q, Deepal S05, Deepal S07, Exeed Exlantix ET, Exeed RX, GAC Aion UT, GAC Aion V, Geely EX2, Geely Starray EM-i, iCAUR v23, Jetour G700, Jetour T2, Leapmotor B10, Leapmotor C10, Leapmotor T03, Lepas L6 EV, Lepas L8 PHEV, Lynk & Co 900, Onvo L90, XPeng G6 2026 Edition, XPeng L03, XPeng P7+, and Zeekr 8X. The MG4 EV Urban is also part of this group, given that MG – which has British roots – is fully owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor.
The rest of the field includes BMW i3, Buick Electra E7, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Captiva EV/PHEV, Cupra Raval, DS N°7, Hyundai Bayon, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Hyundai Tucson, Infiniti QX65, Kia EV2, Kia Seltos, Kia Syros EV, Kia Telluride, Lexus ES, Lincoln Corsair, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-6e/EZ-60, Mercedes-Benz Electric C-Class, Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Nissan Frontier Pro, Nissan NX8, Polestar 4 SUV, Renault Filante, Subaru Trailseeker, Subaru Uncharted, Volkswagen Atlas/Teramont Pro, and Volvo EX60.
It is also worth noting that every World Car of the Year winner since 2021 has been an all-electric model: the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022), Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2023), Kia EV9 (2024), Kia EV3 (2025), and, most recently, BMW iX3 (2026). That streak gives readers a basis for judging whether the organization has done a good job picking its winners, while offering a clue about the kind of vehicle that could take the title this edition.
Hyundai
The Race Is On
To qualify, vehicles must meet criteria including annual production of at least 10,000 units, pricing below luxury-car levels in their primary markets, and availability in at least two major markets across two continents between January 1, 2026, and March 19, 2027. They must also be either all-new or significantly new.
This marks the 23rd awards season, with jurors scheduled to test-drive eligible vehicles through January 2027. The top 10 finalists will be announced on January 5, followed by further testing and voting before the winner is revealed on March 24, 2027, at the New York International Auto Show.
Kia
