autoX Awards 2025 Winners Announced: Audi, Ducati, Maruti Suzuki and More Bag Top Honours

autoX has lifted the curtains on the ‘Best of 2025’ winners, each put through two gruelling days of intense testing at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). A panel of seasoned experts, including our very own autoX Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Behl, evaluated every vehicle for performance, handling, comfort, design, drivetrain efficiency, practicality, and value for money. They also assessed the X-factor and recorded lap times to gauge both real-world and track performance. To ensure fairness, all jury scores were averaged, while the BIC pushed each machine to its limits, revealing strengths and weaknesses alike. In the end, ten winners emerged: eight vehicles earned the prestigious ‘Best of 2025’ title, while two record-breaking performers were crowned Performance Car of the Year and Performance Bike of the Year. Let’s take a closer look at our ‘Best of 2025’.

Who Chooses the 'Best of 2025'?

The autoX Awards 2025 follow a simple and clear testing process. A team of road testers with over 100 years of combined experience scores each vehicle across key parameters. All scores are then averaged, which keeps the results fair and transparent.

For performance runs, autox Editor-in-Chief and part-time racer Dhruv Behl records lap times for cars. Two-time JK 1,000cc champion Simranjeet Singh, aka Simran King, handles the lap times for motorcycles.

The 2025 car jury comprises Dhruv Behl (Editor-in-Chief), Ishan Raghava (Consulting Editor), Shivank Bhatt (Assistant Editor), Siddharth (Special Correspondent), Karan Mathur (Multimedia Producer), Kingshuk Dutta (Features Editor), Aakash S Paul (Special Correspondent) and Ashish Jha (Jury Member). The motorcycle jury features Shivank Bhatt (Assistant Editor), Karan Mathur (Multimedia Producer), Kingshuk Dutta (Features Editor), and Aakash S Paul (Special Correspondent).

The Testing Ground

This year’s mega-test happened at the Buddh International Circuit, a track the team knows well. With 50 vehicles lined up, the testing is focused on the 2.0-kilometre technical loop at the back of the circuit. This section avoids the long straights, where high-power machines would have an edge, and helps keep the field level.

autoX Awards Best of 2025 Winners:

Here are the ones that made the cut this year. These are the Best of 2024!

Winners for autoX Awards Best of 2025: Performance

Audi RS Q8 Performance (Total Points: 62.5)

The Audi RS Q8 Performance has taken the top spot as the Performance Car of the Year. On the track, it went all out, beating strong rivals like the Aston Martin DBX 707, BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, and Porsche Macan Turbo EV with a stunning lap time of 1:02.8.

Also Read: Audi RS Q8 Performance: Performance Car of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

The RS Q8 Performance draws its incredible speed from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out 631bhp and 850Nm. With power sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s iconic quattro system, the luxury SUV sprints from 0–100km/h in 3.6 seconds and hits a top speed of 305km/h.

Ducati Panigale V4 S (Total Points: 71)

The Panigale V4 S packs a 1,103cc V4 that makes about 216bhp and 120.9Nm, and it delivers that power in a clean, predictable way. The updated electronics — including traction, wheelie and engine-brake control — make it easier to push hard, while the lighter frame, new symmetrical swing-arm and updated Ohlins suspension help it stay stable on the brakes and quick out of corners.

Ducati has given the bike sharper bodywork, slimmer winglets and a look that still nods to the iconic 916. The new hollow swing-arm and lighter frame also improve the stance. Ducati has tucked the foot-rests in by 10mm to help with lean angle on track. The Panigale V4 S is a ‘Best of 2025’ winner not just because it’s fast, but because it sets a new benchmark.

autoX Awards Best of 2025 Winners:

Here are the ones that made the cut this year. These are the Best of 2025!

Mahindra XEV 9e (Total Points: 59.7)

Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO platform, the XEV 9e is India’s next-generation electric SUV and one of the standout entries in our Best of 2025. Designed from the ground up, it delivers refinement, stability, and a fresh, sophisticated driving experience. The model we tested packs a 79kWh battery and a rear-mounted motor producing 282bhp and 380Nm. Mahindra claims a 0–100km/h time of 6.8 seconds, and while it’s not a hardcore performance SUV, its power is smooth and progressive. On the Buddh International Circuit’s short loop, it posted a 1:13.9 lap, just a second behind the Creta EV, highlighting both its weight and the impressive poise of its chassis.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris (Total Points: 60.2)

The newly launched Victoris is one of our Best of 2025 picks, shining out with an eye-catching design that breaks from Maruti Suzuki’s past. Its sleek front, sharply sculpted rear, sloping roof, and full-width taillight give it instant road presence. On the track, the TECT platform proved its mettle. With 102bhp and 139Nm of performance figures, the Victoris feels confident, well-planted, and surprisingly capable, hinting at a chassis that could handle even more power.

Skoda Kylaq (Total Points: 61)

The Skoda Kylaq, the brand’s first sub-4m SUV, secures its spot in our Best of 2025. Its 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine delivers 114bhp and 178Nm, paired with a smooth six-speed manual or automatic. Outside, the Kylaq impresses with a signature grille, clean proportions, and smart design touches, while inside, it exudes clean lines, symmetry, and meticulous attention to detail.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB (Total Points: 61.4)

Another highlight in our Best of 2025 is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, which turned the track into its showcase with a 1:10.1 lap at BIC. That’s extraordinary for a luxury sedan, faster than many sports coupes and hot EVs. Beneath its elegant exterior, a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo with a 48V mild-hybrid system produces 381bhp and 500Nm, propelling it from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Volkswagen Golf GTI (Total Points: 62.7)

Another star of our Best of 2025 is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, a true benchmark for hot hatches. With a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 261bhp and 370Nm, it rockets to 267km/h effortlessly while comfortably seating four adults. On the track, the GTI delivered pure exhilaration.

Its razor-sharp handling, precise cornering, and forgiving chassis let you push the limits while staying completely in control. Every lap at the Buddh International Circuit left our jury impressed. And that’s the beauty of the Golf GTI. It’s everything you could ever want in a car.

TVS NTorq 150 (Total Points: 72.3)

The TVS NTorq 150 runs a 149.7cc engine and topped the two-wheeler list at the autoX Awards 2025. It impressed on the Buddh International Circuit test loop with its mix of strong performance, confident handling and solid braking. The scooter delivered consistent results across all track metrics, which helped it secure the top honour in the two-wheeler category.

The NTorq 150 stood out for its design, features and overall value. Its styling, tech and ride-modes added to its appeal, making it a complete package. The judges rated it highly for practicality and the kind of everyday usability that gives it an extra “X-factor” in a crowded segment.

Honda CB 125 Hornet (Total Points: 70.2)

The Honda CB 125 Hornet features a 123.94 cc single-cylinder engine producing 11bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike achieved a 0-60 km/h time of about 5.4 seconds. With its smooth mid-range performance, crisp gearshifts and planted chassis, it handled the test track with composure and agility.

From its twin-LED headlamp with DRLs to golden upside-down front forks, the Hornet’s styling draws cues from higher-cc siblings and gives it a bold look. It includes a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity, muscular tank extensions and full-LED lighting. The blend of sporty ergonomics and segment-first hardware makes its visual and functional appeal strong.

Honda CB 125 Hornet (Total Points: 69.7)

The Royal Enfield Classic 650 uses a 648 cc parallel-twin engine paired with a six-speed gearbox, delivering refined power and smooth responsiveness. It was praised in the autoX Awards 2025 for how this powertrain works across city and highway riding, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The Classic 650 combines retro styling with modern execution—featuring a long wheelbase, classic tank graphics and minimalist instrumentation.