The World Car Awards have announced the top ten finalists for the 2024 World Car of the Year award, along with the top five finalists across six vehicle categories. These include the World Electric Car of the Year, the World Performance Car of the Year, and the World Luxury Car of the Year, among others. The anticipation will only increase as the roster of contenders is reduced to the Top Three in the World, which will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) on February 26. Finally, the winners in each category will be revealed live at the 2024 New York International Auto Show on March 27. Notably, this year celebrates the 19th anniversary of the World Car Awards' collaboration with the show.
The Road to the World Car Awards is an annual event, which follows 100 international jurors as they test-drive and select the cars that qualify for the awards season. On World Car TV, the jurors' road test journey is virtually documented. After this, the jurors give viewers reviews and analysis of the vehicles eligible for the awards in the six categories.
The following top ten finalists, chosen from an initial pool of 38 contenders, will battle it out for the coveted title of 2024 World Car of the Year (WCOTY). Let's now take a look at all the finalists in each category.
2024 World Car of the Year (WCOTY)
- BYD Seal / Atto 4
- Ford Bronco
- Hyundai Kona / Kona Electric
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Kia EV9
- Mazda CX-90
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Toyota Prius
- Volkswagen ID.7
- Volvo EX30
2024 World Electric Vehicle of the Year
- BMW i5
- Kia EV9
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
- Volkswagen ID.7
- Volvo EX30
2024 World Luxury Car of the Year
- BMW 5 Series / i5
- Lexus LM
- Mercedes-Benz CLE
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
2024 World Performance Car of the Year
- BMW M2
- BMW XM
- Ferrari Purosangue
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
2024 World Urban Car of the Year
- Abarth 500e
- BYD Dolphin
- Lexus LBX
- Suzuki Fronx
- Volvo EX30
All the cars selected in the five categories listed above are eligible for the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award. A panel of six highly esteemed global design professionals was invited to evaluate every nominee and then prepare a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors' final vote. The design jury picked five finalists for the jurors' winners' vote in February:
2024 World Car Design of the Year
- Ford Bronco
- Ferrari Purosangue
- Toyota Prius
- Volvo EX30
- Zeekr X
Commenting on the announcement, Daniele Schillaci, Chief Executive Officer Brembo, said, “Congratulations to the first finalists of the prestigious World Car Awards. Today, more than ever, cutting-edge technologies and megatrends are shaping the automotive landscape. For Brembo, being forward-looking has always made a difference, and your special achievement embodies exactly this spirit of innovation. We eagerly await the announcement of the winners and extend our best wishes to all of the participants."
Mark Schienberg, President of NYIAS, remarked, "We’re pleased to kick off the New York Auto Show each year by celebrating the winners of the World Car Awards. Receiving this distinction from 100 of the world’s top automotive journalists is a major victory for all those involved. It is a perfect way to open North America’s first and largest-attended auto show. Congratulations to the World Car team on 20 years of excellence, and best of luck to all the finalists!"
As in previous editions, cars were chosen based on specific criteria. These include producing at least 10,000 units annually and selling in at least two major markets and continents between January 1, 2022 and March 30, 2023. Major markets include China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and the United States. Last year, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was named the year's best car at the 2023 WCOTY awards, winning first place in three categories - the World Electric Vehicle of the Year, the Best Overall Car of the Year, and the Best Design of 2023. Interestingly, the Citroen C3 clinched the title of 2023 World Urban Car of the Year. This marked the first time a vehicle designed and manufactured in India earned a World Car Award.
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