The seven shortlisted finalists for the prestigious 2024 Car of the Year title are the BMW 5-series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Renault Scenic, Toyota C-HR, and Volvo EX30.
The choice was made from a longlist of 28 new cars by the 59 eligible jury members from 22 countries who cast their votes in the first round and selected the shortlist.
A big talking point is the inclusion of the BYD Seal, the first time the Chinese brand has made it onto the Car of the Year shortlist, but a model that has really impressed in terms of styling, driving ability and competitive pricing. BMW also makes the list with its new 5-Series, a nomination that includes the new all-electric i5 version.
Volvo’s all-electric EX30 small SUV is the brand’s new entry-level model and will hope to follow on from the success of the XC40, which picked up the COTY title in 2018.
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Kia has won the race to deliver an all-electric seven-seat SUV to the market with its new EV9 and has pedigree in this competition, winning the 2022 title with the EV6.
Toyota had a challenge this year, with two strong candidates in the running: the new Prius and the C-HR. Jury members opted for the small crossover to make the final shortlist, perhaps influenced by the fact this car is designed specifically with European buyers in mind, so honed to our tastes.
Renault’s new all-electric Scenic is significantly different from previous models with the same moniker, delivering a sleek looking EV crossover that seeks to define a new styling direction for cars post-SUV, while also offering a touch of the roominess once associated with people carriers like the original Scenic. It’s the first model in a major product offensive by the brand, under the leadership of renowned auto executive Luca de Meo, who has steered several European brands to success.
Finally, Peugeot’s new 3008 crossed the line in time to make it onto the shortlist. A regular winner of the awards, the French car brand has built on the success of the previous 3008 to add a premium interior trim and an impressive all-electric powertrain to the mix. The 3008 previously won the award in 2017.
