Europe’s car market is changing fast, and the latest Car of the Year shortlist makes that impossible to ignore. For the first time in the award’s 63-year history, every single finalist is fully electric.
Seven vehicles are competing for Europe’s 2027 Car of the Year title, with no gasoline-powered cars or hybrids making the final cut. It’s a remarkable result for an award that has traditionally celebrated everything from affordable hatchbacks to luxury sedans.
The contenders are the BMW iX3, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID. Polo, and Volvo EX60. It’s a varied selection, although anyone hoping to see a sports car among the finalists will be sorely disappointed.
The winner will succeed the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which claimed the 2026 award. With several small, relatively affordable EVs competing against premium SUVs, the judges have some very different vehicles to compare.
Seven EVs, Not A Sports Car In Sight
The BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 represent the premium end of the shortlist, offering electric SUV practicality and modern technology. Neither is exactly an enthusiast’s dream machine, although both could impress with their driving dynamics.
At the opposite end are the Renault Twingo and Kia EV2, two compact EVs aimed at buyers who don’t need a massive battery or an expensive luxury badge. The Volkswagen ID. Polo also promises to bring electric motoring to a familiar, everyday hatchback format.
Then there’s the Cupra Raval, which might be the most interesting contender for drivers who enjoy a spirited back-road blast. It shares its platform with the ID. Polo but promises a sportier driving experience, and if I were to buy any of these cars, it’s the contender I’d happily spend my hard-earned cash on.
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 completes the lineup, adding another compact electric hatchback to the competition. Clearly, smaller EVs are getting plenty of attention from Europe’s automotive judges.
A Historic Result For Electric Cars
Electric vehicles have won the European Car of the Year award before, so an EV taking the crown isn’t particularly surprising. The Nissan Leaf won in 2011, while Renault’s Scenic E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech claimed the 2024 and 2025 titles.
What’s different this time is the complete absence of combustion engines, even in hybrid form. The seven finalists reflect how much importance European manufacturers and award judges now place on electric mobility.
Interestingly, none of the finalists come from a Chinese automotive brand, despite the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in Europe. Several Chinese models appeared on the original longlist but failed to reach the final seven.
Who Deserves The Crown?
The jury will test the finalists at Italy’s Balocco proving ground on November 25 and 26. The winner will be announced on January 8, 2027, at the Brussels Motor Show.
There may not be a fire-breathing performance car among the contenders, but that doesn’t automatically make the shortlist boring. A lightweight-feeling, affordable electric hatchback that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive could be every bit as interesting as another expensive, high-powered SUV.
The Cupra Raval looks like the enthusiast’s pick, while the little Renault Twingo could surprise everyone. At least there’s a chance the winner will be something genuinely fun rather than another oversized electric SUV.