The Buzz Awards: BMW iX3 Named Car Of The Year For 2027
\We, at TopSpeed, and our sister sites, CarBuzz and HotCars, test hundreds of vehicles every year. To recognize the best of these vehicles, we introduced the Buzz Awards, which allow us to identify the best across various categories, and pick one Car of the Year. It’s not an easy task, because we’d be comparing vehicles that have nothing in common with each other. So, we look for a vehicle that challenges convention and has the potential to shape the future of its segment or the brand itself. Essentially, one that’s a bold statement to the world.
After months of discussion and plenty of debate, the automotive experts across the three sister sites have settled on a winner. And, the winner of the 2027 Buzz Awards Car of the Year is the BMW iX3!
Why We Picked The 2027 BMW iX3
Companies like BMW are thoroughly invested in EVs, and their dedication and commitment are seen through their products. The iX3 is a classic example of this, and it’s one of the most important products for BMW’s electric future.
The iX3 is not just an electric version of the existing X3; it is a new product from the ground up. It is based on the Neue Klasse platform, and boasts an 800-volt electrical system and a sixth-generation eDrive powertrain. The iX3 50 xDrive produces 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. Its 112.2-kWh battery promises an EPA-estimated range of up to 434 miles, while the dual-motor setup delivers the sort of effortless performance expected from a premium BMW.
As if these were not enough to impress us, BMW also unveiled the M60 xDrive variant; the M Performance version of the “standard” iX3. 612 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque from a dual-motor setup help this EV sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds; 0.8 seconds quicker than the 50 xDrive’s 4.7-second claim. What’s interesting is CarBuzz managed to clock a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.53 seconds when they tested the iX3 50 xDrive. For all you know, the M60 might take less than 3.9 seconds to touch 60 mph from rest.
The iX3 also makes a strong case for everyday ownership. The dedicated EV platform translates into a spacious cabin and 18.3 cubic feet (520 liters) of cargo space. A thoughtfully designed interior brings together a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, BMW Panoramic Vision, and an array of driver assistance features. More importantly, BMW hasn’t forgotten that an SUV needs to be comfortable and enjoyable to drive. A carefully tuned chassis, rear-biased driving character, and composed ride make the iX3 feel like more than just a technological showcase. This combination of genuine innovation and familiar BMW appeal in a retro-futuristic, quirky package is the reason why the iX3 is a benchmark on many fronts, and also why we decided to bestow this Bavarian with our Car of the Year award!
What Almost Made The Cut
If you’ve already seen the Buzz Award winners across seven other categories, you’ll know that the field was pretty competitive this time. There were strong contenders, which didn’t make the BMW iX3 a unanimous choice. However, it still drew over 50 percent of the votes. Here are the three category winners that garnered split votes and shared the runner-up spot.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1/X
With a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged, flat-plane-crank V8 producing a staggering 1,064 horsepower in the ZR1 and an inconceivable 1,250 horsepower in the ZR1X avatar—courtesy of electric motors placed on the front axle—these ‘Vettes have taken bona fide performance car ambitions to an entirely different level. These machines deliver staggering performance, with sub-2.5-second sprints to 60 mph, top speeds comfortably beyond 215 mph, and track credentials designed to challenge the very best in the hypercar world. The twins beat the Lamborghini Temerario and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC to take home our 2027 Buzz Award for Best Performance Vehicle.
Kia Telluride Hybrid
Kia had a tough act to follow with the “OG” Telluride without losing sight of what made it such a popular family SUV in the first place, but it’s fair to say that the automaker hit it out of the park with the second-generation model. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder lineup, including a turbocharged option and an available hybrid powertrain, replaces the trusty V6. The redesigned, bold exterior, generous cabin space, and technology-rich interior make it an appealing all-rounder. It’s for these reasons that the Telluride managed to beat the Hyundai Palisade and the Rivian R2 to win the 2027 Buzz Award for Best Family Vehicle.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric manages to bring together the sort of comfort and everyday practicality you’d expect from a premium family SUV with performance figures that would make most supercars nervous. It churns out a staggering 1,139 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque, enough to launch from zero to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds. You also get a beautifully appointed cabin packed with technology and top-notch ride refinement that makes long journeys effortless. Named our 2027 Buzz Awards Best Luxury Vehicle, it beat the BMW iX3 (yes, it was a contender for the Best Luxury Vehicle) and the Volvo EX60.
And, with that, we’ve reached the end of our 2027 Buzz Awards winners. Congratulations to all our category winners and, of course, the Car of the Year. It’s been another exciting year for the automotive world, with plenty of innovation, surprises, and standout machines along the way. If this year’s winners are anything to go by, the future looks incredibly promising. We can’t wait to see what the next 12 months bring and which vehicles will be vying for the spotlight when the Buzz Awards return!
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