The overall best car award went to Hyundai's latest electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5, which was also the winner in the Best Family Car category. Second place for Car Of The Year went to another EV: Skoda’s Enyaq. Two more EVs tied for third place: BMW’s iX and Porsche's Taycan.
The judges - motoring journalists and industry experts - noted the Ioniq 5's design and interior space in their praise, but crucially also highlighted the car's electric driving range. 'Range anxiety' has dogged EVs in recent years, potentially hampering broader take-up amongst consumers. As battery technology improves, bringing with it the reassurance of EVs reliably covering greater distances, these fears are dissipating.
The 29-strong judging panel were fulsome in their praise of the Ioniq 5. Top Gear’s Tom Ford said: “The Ioniq 5 does a decent impression of a mobile lounge, soothing away commutes and longer journeys. Big space for all occupants and 800V...