Europe’s Car of the Year 2027 competition will have an all-electric final, with all seven shortlisted vehicles powered exclusively by batteries. It is the first time the award’s shortlist has contained no combustion-powered, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid models.

The shortlist was selected by 65 judges representing 25 European countries from an initial field of 38 contenders. The finalists are the BMW iX3 from the Neue Klasse range, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Kia EV2, Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID Polo, and Volvo EX60.

Seven EVs remain in contention

The finalists advanced ahead of several notable models, including the Renault Clio, Mercedes GLC, Polestar 5, Honda Prelude, Toyota RAV4, and Audi A2 e-tron. The Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Epiq were also left out, despite the T-Roc’s previous strength in European sales and the Epiq’s close relationship to the Volkswagen ID Polo.

The seven cars are scheduled to undergo further evaluation at the Stellantis Balocco test track near Milan in November. The 2027 Car of the Year winner is due to be announced at the Brussels Motor Show on January 8.

Chinese brands miss the final shortlist

The absence of Chinese-branded vehicles is another notable feature of the final selection. Chinese cars account for one in 10 vehicle sales in Europe, yet none of the seven finalists carries a Chinese marque.

Eight Chinese EVs and hybrids were included in the original group of 38 contenders. That field included the BYD Dolphin G, Denza Z9GT, and the B05 and B03X from the Stellantis joint venture with Leapmotor. MG entered three vehicles: the IM5, MG4 Urban, and MGS6. None progressed to the final round.

Volvo’s EX60 does have an indirect connection to China because Volvo is owned by Geely. However, the SUV is produced at Volvo’s plant in Torslanda, Sweden, and it is competing under the Volvo brand rather than a Chinese marque.

Affordable EVs among the leading contenders

Electric vehicles have won the Car of the Year award several times. The Nissan Leaf took the title in 2011, followed by the Jaguar I-Pace in 2019. The Mercedes CLA won the 2026 award; that model is offered with both electric and hybrid powertrains.

The final seven also include several more affordable models, a category that has historically attracted European Car of the Year judges. The Volkswagen ID Polo and its Cupra Raval counterpart could benefit from that pattern, while the Renault Twingo is positioned as an even less expensive contender. Renault’s Scenic and 4 EV previously won the 2024 and 2025 awards, respectively.

The result will determine whether the first all-EV shortlist produces another victory for a mainstream model or a win for one of the more premium vehicles in the field.