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

The 2025 edition of the Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) awards will take place in January next year, bringing together a jury of motoring journalists to decide the annual winners. Regarded as the Oscar of Indian car awards, ICOTY will name the Indian Car of the Year along with winners in other categories.

The Premium Car Award 2026 contenders have also been announced, with eight cars shortlisted for the category. These entries cover different body styles, including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and convertibles. A total of 19 judges from automotive publications are part of the process, including autoX Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Behl and Consulting Editor Ishan Raghava. The final round of voting is scheduled for December 18, 2025, when the winners across categories will be confirmed.

The ICOTY 2026 eligibility rules remain unchanged. Only all-new cars and SUVs are eligible, while models with cosmetic updates or limited mechanical changes, including changes to power or drive-train, are not considered. Vehicles must be manufactured or assembled in India and available in showrooms before November 30, 2025. All entries must be homologated for Indian type approval, and CBU imports are excluded. The country of origin does not affect eligibility if local production criteria are met.

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

For the 21st edition of the ICOTY awards, 18 cars and SUVs are in contention for the main title. From this group, eight premium cars have been shortlisted for the Premium Car Award category. These finalists will be assessed by the jury during the final evaluation stage.

BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 LWB uses a compact SUV layout with a closed kidney grille, slim LED headlamps and smooth body lines. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor paired with a 66.4kWh battery, producing 204bhp and 250Nm.

BMW X3

The BMW X3 is a mid-size SUV which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 187bhp and 310Nm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class diesel keeps the box-shaped body with flat panels, round headlamps and exposed door hinges. Power comes from a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, paired with a 9-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, producing around 367bhp and 750Nm.

MG Cyberster

The MG Cyberster features a low convertible body with scissor-style doors, LED lighting and a wide stance. It runs dual electric motors supported by a 64kWh battery pack. The setup produces 504bhp and 725Nm, with power sent to all wheels through a single-speed transmission.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is a seven-seater SUV with a wide grille, split LED headlamps and a stepped roof. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 201bhp and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system.

Skoda Octavia RS

The Skoda Octavia RS is a performance sedan with a revised front bumper, larger alloy wheels and RS details. It uses a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine delivering 265bhp and 370Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox driving the front wheels.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has a broad front fascia, LED headlamps and a roofline that slopes towards the rear. It uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor in a hybrid setup. Combined output stands at 227bhp, linked to an e-CVT transmission.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch followed by enthusiasts worldwide. It features twin exhaust outlets and larger wheels. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 261bhp and 370Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.