The prestigious British publication Top Gear has released an updated ranking of the best cars of the year based on its own test drives and in-depth reviews. The list of winners includes electric cars, supercars, SUVs, and affordable models, and the choice for Car of the Year came as a surprise even to industry experts.

Top Gear’s Car of the Year: the BMW iX3 electric crossover

The top title of “Car of the Year” went to the all-electric BMW iX3 crossover.
This was one of the jury’s most unexpected decisions, given the fierce competition from premium and sports models.

Top Gear experts praised:

• balanced handling

• fuel efficiency and long range

• modern interior and digital technology

• comfort on long drives

The BMW iX3 has become a prime example of how electric vehicles are gradually replacing traditional internal combustion engine models, even at the top of the rankings.

Automaker of the Year — Renault Group

The Renault Group was awarded the title of “Manufacturer of the Year.”
Experts noted:

• active renewal of the model lineup

• significant progress in the electric vehicle segment

• the successful development of the Renault, Alpine, and Dacia brands

• technological breakthroughs in safety and autonomous systems

The company is solidifying its position as one of the leaders in the European market.

Best Automotive Moment of the Year — the BYD Yangwang U9 Extreme’s world record

A special “Moment of the Year” award was presented to the Chinese hypercar BYD Yangwang U9 Extreme, which set a world speed record for production cars at 496 km/h.

This breakthrough was a key event in the global automotive industry in 2025.

Top Gear’s Best Cars of the Year in Key Categories

Experts distributed awards among cars in various classes. Here is the full list of winners:

Premium and Luxury

• Luxury Car of the Year — Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

• Best Executive Car — Mercedes-Benz CLA

• Best Station Wagon — Audi A6 Avant

Design and Innovation

• Design of the Year — Dacia Hipster

• Best Sound — Ford Mustang GTD

Crossovers and SUVs

• Best Crossover — Renault 4 E-Tech

• Best SUV — Land Rover Defender OCTA

• Best Luxury Crossover — Aston Martin DBX S

Sports Cars and Supercars

• Best Sports Car — Kimera Evo 37

• Best Supercar — Ferrari 296 Speciale

• Best Hypercar — Ferrari F80

Family and Compact Models

• Best Family Car — Kia PV5

• Best Supermini — Hyundai Inster

Conclusion: The Top Gear rankings highlight the major trends of 2025

The results of the Top Gear Awards confirm key trends in the automotive market:

• electric vehicles continue to lead the way

• premium brands are rethinking their approach to technology and sustainability

• Chinese automakers are rapidly strengthening their positions in the supercar segment

• budget models are becoming more technologically advanced and safer

The 2025 ranking turned out to be one of the most diverse yet and reflects the dynamics of the entire auto industry.

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