Here Are All The 2024 World Car Of The Year Winners

The World Car Of The Year awards have announced the 2024 winners, with electrified vehicles scooping victories in all the categories. The overall winner, the accomplished Kia EV9, was bestowed with the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle award, underscoring the sheer breadth of abilities Kia’s family EV offers.

Kia has had several major wins in the last few years, with the EV6 GT clinching the World Performance Car title last year. In 2020, the Telluride won the World Car of the Year award.

“This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence. The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world,” said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song.

But what about the other categories?

World Luxury Car: BMW 5 Series/ BMW i5

The new BMW 5 Series and its electric twin, the i5, drove off with the 2024 World Luxury Car accolade. Executives in Munich must be smiling from ear to ear following the awards ceremony, with the Bimmer edging out the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes EQE SUV in the finals.

“We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award. The verdict of the international jury shows that our strong-character products with their typical BMW qualities convince and inspire demanding target groups all over the world,” said Bernd Korber, SVP of BMW Brand and Product Management.

The 5er has been a class leader for many years, providing young executives with a sportier alternative to Mercedes and Jaguar sedans. The latest model arrives with a healthy mix of gasoline and electric drivetrains, catering to myriad consumers. This will only expand when the high-performance M5 arrives. Who knows? The range-topper may snap up the World Performance Car award in 2025.

World Performance Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Traditional gearheads might not like the idea of an electric performance car, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves that EVs can be fun and exciting. With up to 641 horsepower, the spirited battery-electric crossover can hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 162 mph.

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But so what? Plenty of electric cars can go fast. Part of the Ioniq 5 N’s appeal is that Hyundai has recreated the characteristics that people love about combustion-engined sports cars. As a result, there’s a unique N e-Shift feature, which simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and simulated engine noises. When the world inevitably goes all-electric, cars like this will make the transition a bit easier.

World Car Design: Toyota Prius

We would have laughed if you had asked us two years ago whether a Toyota Prius could win a design award. But then the fifth-generation model arrived with gorgeous styling, making this one a highly desirable (and attainable) hybrid.

“We went back to [the] drawing board to [reimagine] the Prius, considering whether to create a commodity, turning it into more of a taxi or creating something that would capture hearts. Ultimately, we [chose] to create something people can love not only for its rational benefits but also [an] emotional experience,” said Yasushi Ueda, Chief Engineer of the Prius.

While the Prius didn’t walk away with the World Car Of The Year trophy, it did win the 2023 Japanese Car Of The Year award.

World Urban Car: Volvo EX30

In the running for the main award, the EX30 was pipped by the Kia EV9 but was still awarded top honors in the 2024 World Urban Car category. Wrapped up in a gorgeous, minimalist design, the EX30 debuted last year with an appealing price tag, strong performance, and a clever interior. It is aimed at younger consumers who require a premium yet affordable EV, with prices starting below $35,000. The most potent drivetrain gets 422 hp, allowing it to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. As a result, it’s the fastest-ever accelerating Volvo.

“Customer response to the EX30 has exceeded our expectations, and it has proven to be a perfect car for today’s marketplace as a growing number of car buyers switch to fully electric cars. I’m convinced the EX30 will strongly contribute to our growth this year and beyond,” said chief exec Jim Rowan.

Interestingly, every award recipient is electrified this year, with four of the five winners being fully electric cars (the BMW 5 Series and i5 won the award jointly).