The Chinese car market, which has long been not just a consumer, but a global dictator of trends, has just handed out its “Oscars“. The prestigious “Car of the Year 2026“ (CCOY) awards are now in the hands of the winners, and the results are intriguing to say the least. In a race marked by technological leaps and ruthless competition, a German-Chinese hybrid managed to snatch the crown from under the noses of ambitious local startups.
The big winner, who grabbed the title of “Car of the Year“, is the Audi E5 Sportback
This impressive shooting brake is the fruit of a strategic partnership between Audi and the SAIC concern, created with one single goal – to dominate the roads of the Celestial Empire. With its silhouette, which many liken to the bold Zeekr 001, and a price range between 235,900 and 319,900 yuan, the model managed to beat out finalists such as the new generation Xpeng P7 and the electric Chery iCaur V23. Apparently, the European heritage, backed up by Chinese software innovations, turned out to be the winning formula.
Behind the scenes of this large-scale event, the heavy word of a 48-member jury was at work. These experts – from university professors to editors-in-chief of leading media outlets – sifted through 91 premieres that debuted between September 2024 and the end of August 2025. After intensive real-world testing in the fall, the sieve became even narrower, leaving behind giants like BMW, Land Rover and Geely.
In the category of absolute luxury, no one managed to overshadow the Nio ET9. The flagship sedan of the Chinese startup, which debuted at the very end of 2024, set new standards for comfort and technological presence, leaving the competition far in the rearview mirror. At the same time, at the other end of the market, the Chery iCaur V23 was proclaimed the “Budget Car of the Year“. This small electric SUV with a charming retro look and an affordable price (starting at around 110,000 yuan) proved that style doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Emotions ran red hot in the sports cars, where the Ferrari 296 Speciale predictably left no chance for the others. The Italian engineering jewel, combining a V6 engine with a powerful electric drive for a staggering 880 hp, is living proof that hybridization can be extremely exciting.
Aesthetics also found its winner in the face of the Audi A5L. This Chinese-market specific version with an extended wheelbase and classic sedan silhouette won the vote for “Best Design“. Although it follows the familiar visual identity of the Ingolstadt brand, its proportions and clean lines have clearly touched the right corner in the hearts of specialists.