The World Car Awards committee has released the initial list of 56 candidates for the 2027 competition. Chinese automotive brands account for 27 of these entries, representing nearly half of the total selection.
To qualify for the 2027 awards, vehicles must meet specific criteria. Each model must have an annual production volume of at least 10,000 units and be priced below the luxury segment in major markets. Furthermore, candidates must be available for sale in at least two major markets across two different continents between January 1, 2026, and March 19, 2027.
The initial list covers several categories, including World Car of the Year, World Urban Car, World Luxury Car, and World Performance Car. Notable candidates include models from brands such as Zeekr, Xpeng, Avatr, Chery, Leapmotor, and Geely, alongside international manufacturers like BMW, Hyundai, and Kia.
While the initial lists for the main categories are public, the nominees for World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design have not yet been determined. The final winners across all categories are scheduled to be announced on March 24, 2027.
