The AUTOBEST European Jury has officially selected the 2026 AUTOBEST Awards Winners, marking another milestone year for innovation, leadership, and excellence in the automotive industry.
The voting process and award decisions were completed on-site during the two-day AUTOBEST Ultimate Test – which took place on November 27–28, 2025, at the upgraded ÖAMTC Driving Center in Teesdorf, near Vienna. After years of successful testing sessions, AUTOBEST returned to Teesdorf to benefit from substantial improvements made to the proving ground, enhancing its test package performed by the Jury members to the AUTOBEST CONQUEST 2026 Finalists: BYD Dolphin Surf, CITROËN C3 Aircross, FIAT Grande Panda, FORD Puma Gen-E, MG S5 EV and RENAULT 4. These models now compete for the most influential accessible-value automotive accolade in Europe: Best Buy Car of Europe 2026.
Following the earlier announcement of the finalists, the AUTOBEST Jury — composed of independent motoring journalists from 32 European countries, the largest independent motoring media in Europe and the world — has now voted and chosen the winners of seven prestigious distinctions which will be awarded during an exclusive Awards Ceremony in Vienna in mid-March, dedicated to honoring the 2026 winners.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and President of BYD America is the newest inductee in the MANBEST Hall of Fame, the global gallery of the best top MANAGERS we have in our industry. This award acknowledges her pivotal role in BYD’s rapid global expansion, transforming it into an electric vehicle global powerhouse. Her leadership in strategy, innovation, and sustainable mobility has not only disrupted the automotive industry but also accelerated the world’s transition to electric transport. This award recognizes her outstanding contribution to reshaping the global auto landscape.
COMPANYBEST 2026 Award goes to TOYOTA, for its exceptional performance and balanced strategy. In 2024, it remained the world’s best‑selling automaker, delivering 10.8 million vehicles globally. Toyota’s considered multi‑pathway approach provides customers with hybrids, plug‑in hybrids, fuel‑cell vehicles and BEVs as markets demand. The company’s full‑lineup philosophy, producing everything from sports cars to commercial vehicles, ensures it competes in virtually every market segment worldwide. Finally, Toyota’s unwavering commitment to motorsport was also rewarded in 2024 when TOYOTA GAZOO Racing captured three FIA manufacturers’ world championships, demonstrating that racing continues to drive its innovation.
SPORTBEST 2026 has won by Jeff Dodds, CEO for Formula E. As Chief Executive Officer for Formula E, he brought the most important and significant electric racing series to a new level since joining in May 2023. Jeff made an expansion of the calendar possible by adding exciting new locations, had his impact on the development of Gen 4 cars and – as an experienced marketing expert – clearly improved the media presence of Formula E.
SAFETYBEST 2026 is Pirelli Cyber Tyre. It is one of the world’s first integrated hardware and software system capable of collecting data from sensors inside the tires, processing them through Pirelli’s proprietary software and algorithms, and communicating in real time with the vehicle’s electronics. This enables the development of new features that are fully integrated with the driving and control systems, enhancing driving experience and improving safety.
TECHNOBEST 2026 was voted for BYD Super e-Platform Flash charging. The new system offers peak DC charging speeds of 1000kW able to fill 400km of range in just five minutes – or 2 km of range every second! To achieve these charging speeds, BYD has developed a number of advanced technologies in its latest EV architecture for future models, including batteries capable of handling a 10C charging rate along with high-power motors, high-voltage silicon carbide power chips and fast chargers that support up to 1000 kW of power. The charger itself is unusually compact, taking up just 1.5sq m, and it comes with two plugs per pod.
Adrian van Hooydonk, Chief Designer BMW Group is the newest inductee in the DESIGNBEST Hall of Fame. Adrian van Hooydonk started at BMW Design in 1992 and became Group Design Director in 2009. Famously for BMW, the original 1962 Neue Klasse was transformative. Now, Van Hooydonk’s modern Neue Klasse is set to be equally pivotal. An entire range will be developed from van Hooydonk’s vision, ensuring he will remain one of the world’s most influential automotive designers for many years to come.
Honda Prelude is the winner of `A STAR IS BACK` AWARD. In a car market that is rapidly becoming uniform, it’s refreshing to see Honda once again dare to think outside the box. A classic vehicle concept brought to life with modern technology. Proof that beauty and brains can still come together — just as the Prelude did several decades ago.
The SMARTBEST and ECOBEST awards remain under final jury evaluation and will be announced at a later date.
Looking ahead, AUTOBEST is preparing for a historic evolution in the way automotive awards are decided.
For the first time ever, the public will join the jury in selecting the BEST BUY CAR of EUROPE and three additional new categories: BEST USERS’ CAR OF EUROPE, BEST CAR DESIGN OF EUROPE, BEST AFFORDABLE CAR TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE OF EUROPE.
Beginning mid–January 2026, car users across Europe are invited to `drive test and vote for the best` among all the Finalists models, been able to vote online for their preferred finalists. Public voting will remain open until the Gran Finale, when the results will be revealed live during the AUTOBEST Conquest Show, taking place officially on 28 March 2026.
This pioneering format marks AUTOBEST’s transition from the traditional Gala Awards into a modern entertainment-broadcasting concept – a first in the motoring world.
Public votes will count for 50% of the final result, with the jury representing the remaining 50%. The winners will be determined live during the CONQUEST show’s grand finale.
Founded in 2001, AUTOBEST introduced the revolutionary concept of identifying the “Best Buy Car” on the European market — the model that delivers the best value for most European customers. Each car is assessed through a transparent voting system based on 13 criteria, including price, service network, spare parts availability, versatility, design, and new technologies.
The AUTOBEST jury represents 32+1 European countries (Russia remains suspended), making it the largest independent motoring jury both in Europe and globally in terms of represented nations. The AUTOBEST jury pays close attention to the automotive industry’s efforts. Investments, new automotive job opportunities, funds for green cars and technologies, the support for different regions of Europe are all carefully checked by the jury. New in-car technologies and connectivity are also under scrutiny.
ENDS
Contact
Andreea Oglan
PR Coordinator, AUTOBEST
pr@autobest.org
