ICOTY 2026 Green Car Contenders Revealed: Mahindra XEV 9e, BMW iX1 LWB, Hyundai Creta Electric, and More

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards once again set the stage for India’s finest machines to go head-to-head for top honours across multiple categories. With the contenders for Overall Car of the Year, Premium Car of the Year, and Green Car of the Year now announced, anticipation is building ahead of the final verdict. The selections are made by a jury of 19 automotive experts from renowned publications, including Dhruv Behl, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of autoX, and Ishan Raghava, Consulting Editor at autoX and Secretary of ICOTY 2026.

Also Read: ICOTY 2026 Premium Car Contenders Announced: BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Camry and More

Each car is meticulously gauged on parameters such as pricing, efficiency, design, comfort, safety, performance, innovation, practicality, and overall value. For the 2026 edition, the jury has revealed the shortlisted models, and here’s a closer look at the contenders competing for the Green Car of the Year crown.

BMW iX1

BMW launched the iX1 LWB (Long Wheelbase) at Auto Expo 2025. The model, starting at Rs 49.90 lakh (ex-showroom), boasts a 2,800mm wheelbase, which is 108mm longer than the standard iX1. It comes in the eDrive20L M Sport variant, equipped with a 66.4kWh battery and a single PMSM motor delivering 201bhp and 250Nm. BMW claims the SUV can cover up to 531 kilometres on a single charge.

BYD Sealion 7

The BYD Sealion 7 arrived in India in February, following its 2025 Auto Expo debut, with prices ranging between Rs 48.90 lakh and Rs 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: ICOTY 2026 Contenders Announced: Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Skoda Kylaq, Kia Syros, and More

Buyers can choose between RWD and AWD configurations, both running on an 82.6kWh battery. The RWD model offers 308bhp, 380Nm, and a range of 567 kilometres, while the AWD option pushes the figures to 523bhp, and 690Nm, though its range is slightly lower at 542 kilometres.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Hyundai launched the all-electric Creta at the Bharat Mobility Expo, priced between Rs 18.02 lakh and Rs 24.69 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers two battery options: a 42kWh pack with 133bhp and a range of 390 kilometres, and a 51.4kWh unit with 169bhp and a range of 473 kilometres.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Kia launched the Carens Clavis EV in India in July, priced from Rs 17.99 lakh to Rs 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The electric MPV comes with two battery options: a 42kWh pack with 404 kilometres of range and a 51.4kWh unit offering up to 490 kilometres of range – powered by a 169bhp, 255Nm front motor, capable of 0–100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and supporting 100kW DC fast charging.

MG Cyberster

MG launched its most powerful model yet, the Cyberster electric roadster, in July, with prices starting at Rs 74.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Cyberster comes fully imported and is available exclusively through JSW MG’s premium Select network. It features a 77kWh battery driving dual motors, one on each axle, for a combined 503bhp and 725Nm. It offers a claimed range of 580 kilometres and sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed capped at 200km/h.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra launched the XEV 9e in India in November 2024, priced from Rs 22.65 lakh to Rs 31.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Built on the INGLO platform, the electric SUV offers rear-wheel drive with two battery options: 59kWh with 228bhp and 542 kilometres of range, and a larger 79kWh battery pack with 282bhp and 656 kilometres of range.

Tata Harrier EV

Launched in India in June, the Tata Harrier EV is priced between Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 29.48 lakh (ex-showroom). It is supported by an Acti.ev platform, and can be had with either a 65kWh RWD setup with 235bhp or a 75kWh AWD dual-motor version with 390.5bhp and 504Nm, as well as a claimed range of up to 627 kilometres.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla made its long-awaited debut in India in July with the launch of the Model Y, priced between Rs 59.89 lakh and Rs 67.89 lakh. Offered only in rear-wheel-drive form, the electric SUV is available in Standard and Long-Range trims, with claimed WLTP ranges of 500 kilometres and 661 kilometres respectively.

Also Read: ICOTY 2026 Premium Car Contenders Announced: BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Camry and More

Tesla states a 0–100km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds for the standard variant and 5.6 seconds for the Long Range version.