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Top Gear's Car of the Year 2026 award has been announced - and it's an SUV. Every year each motoring publication brings together it's group of top journalists to work out what they think should be their car of the year. So far this year, Carwow has named a Chinese car it's favourite, while AutoExpress tackled the used car sector to name their best second-hand motor of the year.

And now, the iconic BBC show has given their verdict - and it's not one mentioned so far. The winner in question was the BMW iX3, an electric SUV that forms part of BMW's Neue Klasse range. The Neue Klasse was originally a series of models BMW released in the 1960s as it looked to turn its fortunes around. Fast forward to the 2020s and the company has brought the name back with a new series of SUVs and saloons.

On why they had chosen the iX3 as their car of the year, Top Gear said it was a combination of style, technology, and the way the car drove. They explained: "This iX3 is wholly new. Above and beneath. Bumper to bumper. Ground to cloud.

"From now on pretty well all of the electric BMWs, Minis and Rolls-Royces will use this technology. The iX3, and indeed the concept car for the related i3 saloon, get off on the right foot.

"After years of mucking about, BMW's stylists have now got it right. The furniture is beautifully tranquil. It drives like a BMW ought to. Not like a bulky EV crossover, or soulless digital first zombiemobile."

In a statement following their victory CEO of BMW Group UK and Ireland, David George said: "The launch of the new BMW iX3 represents more than just the debut of an exceptional new model - it signals the start of an exciting and transformative chapter for our brand.

"We are thrilled to receive the prestigious Car of the Year award for this milestone moment and would like to thank the entire Top Gear team for this special recognition."

The BMW iX3 is an important car for BMW and consumers with a claimed maximum WLTP range of up to 500 miles alongside all new interior technology. The first customer deliveries of the iX3 will take place in March 2026 with the Ix3 50 xDrive version of the car available from £58,755.