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Since 1963, the European “Car of the Year” jury has been choosing the European car of the year. The first prize winner nearly 60 years ago: the Rover 2000. On Monday, February 26, the independent jury funded by his foundation – Blick is also there for Switzerland – will announce the 2024 winner. The Geneva International Motor Show, which will take place for the first time in four years at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition center between 26 February and 3 March, is at GIMS.
As every year, the jury first selected seven models among the new cars of 2023 to the short list. The biggest surprise: For the first time, a model from a Chinese brand is in the final! The list includes not only electric cars, but also three models with gasoline, hybrid or plug-in hybrid drive. On February 12 and 13, 2024, judges had the opportunity to thoroughly test drive seven candidates at a testing site in Mortefontaine, France.
For example, why isn’t Tesla on the list? It’s simple: Every year, the jury selects seven models from this year’s new cars for the shortlist. Condition: Models must be completely new – refurbished models halfway through their life are not allowed as the novelty content is very low. In addition, the models in the selection must be available for order in at least five European markets by the end of December at the latest. For example, since Tesla did not have anything new, the brand was excluded from the 2024 elections.
Jeep Avenger wins the championship in the 2023 elections. Here are the seven models on the shortlist that will compete with each other in the final round of the “2024 Car of the Year”:
BMW 5 Series
With the new 5 Series generation, a BMW has once again managed to enter the list in the “Car of the Year” final for a long time. The brand has never won this title in 60 years; Maybe it will work for the business sedan this year. The five-seater is available as the i5 in two versions, electrified with 340 hp (250 kW) or 601 hp (442 kW), but is also available with a mildly hybridised petrol engine, a turbodiesel and, in the future, two plug-in hybrids. versions. A station wagon called the Touring is also already in the starting blocks. Prices starting from 67,700 francs.
BYD Seal
No one would have thought it would happen so quickly: its launch in Switzerland is not planned until 2024, but BYD is already causing a sensation in many European countries and is the first Chinese brand to reach the final with Seal. electric sedan! The modern four-door comes with rear-wheel drive and 313 hp (230 kW), or all-wheel drive and 530 hp (390 kW) and an 82 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that does not contain cobalt, nickel or cadmium. No Swiss prices yet.
Kia EV9
Kia continues to expand its 800-volt electric platform in segments: the EV6 crossover is now followed by the EV9, which can seat up to seven; the first minivan with electric drive and an innovative seating concept with swivel seats in the second row. . Cargo space can accommodate up to 2,318 liters of luggage, and for performance, rear-wheel drive and 204 hp (150 kW) or 385 hp (283 kW) all-wheel drive and a maximum range of 563 kilometers are available. Prices starting from 75,950 francs.
Peugeot E-3008/3008
At the last minute in the final round: just before the deadline, the judges were able to drive Peugeot’s new generation Stromer, and the new 3008 quickly entered the top seven. The five-seater will be launched in the first quarter of 2024 with an electric car with 213 hp (157 kW) and a 136 hp (100 kW) mild hybridized gasoline engine with a 48-volt system. All-wheel drive and plug-in hybrids will come later; also a variant with an electric range of up to 700 kilometers. Prices starting from 39,100 francs.
Renault Landscape
Two years ago, Renault pinned all its hopes on the all-electric Megane E-Tech Electric; now it is testing the XXL version: The upcoming Scenic E-Tech Electric is on the same platform with 218 hp (160 kW) and 87 kWh net battery capacity. It has a range of up to 620 kilometers, but offers much more space, especially in the second row, and cargo volume of up to 1,670 liters. Prices are not yet known.
Toyota C-HR
Seven years ago, the first generation was considered the pinnacle of design extravagance. You’ve already gotten used to corners, rough edges and edges with the new Toyota C-HR. Developed in Europe, the five-seat car will be launched in early 2024 with two hybrid drives and a plug-in hybrid with 223 hp (164 kW) and an all-electric range of up to 66 kilometers. A hybrid version with all-wheel drive and 198 hp (146 kW) is also available. Prices starting from 36,900 francs.
Volvo EX30
Its sister model at Geely Group, the Smart #1, was also open for selection, but Volvo’s new small electric SUV made it to the final round: The new EX30 is available with power options of 272 hp (200 kW) or 428 hp (315 kW). and an electric range of up to 613 kilometers. The miniaturized cockpit with a large touchscreen in the center and the feel-good Scandinavian atmosphere with lots of recycled materials are typical Volvo features. Prices starting from 36,800 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
