German Car of the Year 2027 Finalists Announced, Israeli Judge Participates

The "Car of the Year in Germany 2027" competition has commenced, with a judging panel comprising 25 German jurors and an additional 22 international judges, including Israeli representative Boaz Korfel. The winners across various categories have been revealed, and the "Car of the Year in Germany" title will be announced on November 2.

In the "Family Car of the Year" category, the Skoda Pikmo was honored. The Skoda PEAQ electric passenger car, launched in June 2026, offers up to 299 horsepower and a range of 647 km, with an expected arrival in Israel in the second half of 2027.

The "Budget Car of the Year" award went to the Volkswagen ID. Polo. This electric compact car, unveiled in April 2026, starts at under 25,000 euros and offers various powertrain options with ranges up to 454 km. It is not expected to reach the Israeli market.

The "Value Car of the Year" is the Geely E2, an electric supermini also known as EX2, which was the best-selling car in China and is slated for an early 2027 release in Israel. The "Compact Car of the Year" award was given to the Kia PV5, a mid-size van rather than a compact car, which will join the Israeli market by the end of the year.

Hyundai's Ioniq 6N, an electric performance sedan based on the acclaimed Ioniq 5N, secured the "Performance Car of the Year" title. The "Premium Car of the Year" is the third-generation Mercedes GLC, available in Israel with up to 489 horsepower and a range of 663 km. The "Luxury Car of the Year" is the Xpeng X9 minivan, which arrived in Israel in July with 347 horsepower and a 615 km range.

Porsche's 911 Turbo S received the "Engine of the Year" award for its new 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine producing 711 horsepower, making it the most powerful 911 ever. The "Exterior Design of the Year" is the electric Renault Twingo, a five-door retro-styled model. BMW's iX3 electric SUV won "Interior Design of the Year" for its innovative cabin design, including a full-width display strip, and had previously won "World Car of the Year 2026."

Klaus Zellmer, former CEO of Skoda, was named "Automotive Personality of the Year" for his successful tenure, during which Skoda saw consistent progress in Europe despite exiting the Chinese market. Zellmer is reportedly moving to become CEO of Volvo, having previously led Porsche North America and Porsche Germany.