WINNER:
MINI Aceman SE
311 points

For buyers already considering the Cooper, the MINI Aceman makes a strong case for itself.

It offers more space, five doors, and a bigger boot. The interior is identical, so if you already like the Cooper’s cabin, you will feel right at home here.

WINNER:
Range Rover Evoque
300 points

Cool, poised, and with just the right amount of flash, the Range Rover Evoque hasn’t lost an ounce of its magnetism since its debut back in 2011.

Now in its second generation, with a gentle facelift in 2023, the Evoque is still the sharp dresser at the SUV party, with everyone else trying to copy its collar fold.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 | 289 pts

WINNER:
AION V
323 points

The Aion V comes across as a thoughtfully engineered, almost premium-feeling SUV. It simply shows up with polish, purpose, and just enough personality to keep things interesting.

While some of its features feel whimsical and others overly ambitious, the whole package gels together surprisingly well.

For buyers looking for an EV that balances comfort and value, the Aion V is worth a long, thoughtful look.

Proton e:MAS7 | 316 pts

BYD Atto 2 | 306 pts

MG S5 | 302 pts

WINNER:
Volvo EX30
293 points

The Volvo EX30 is not perfect. Its rear seats could use more room, and its infotainment interface needs a rethink.

But in almost every other aspect, it’s a winner. Attractive design? Check. Smooth ride? Check. Compact size with proper safety kit? Double check. It’s proof that you don’t need 600 horsepower or 15-inch screens to make a car feel special.

For urbanites looking for a premium yet compact EV that’s practical, stylish, and just the right amount of different, the EX30 is a refreshing proposition in a sea of tech-obsessed sameness.

SMART #3 | 280 pts

WINNER:
Subaru Forester
331 points

The Subaru Forester e-Boxer is for people who want a practical, honest, go-anywhere machine that won’t quit halfway through the journey. It may not be as fast, but it’ll get you and your gear, dogs, or kids wherever you need to go.

It’s the sort of car that earns your respect over time, like a well-worn pair of hiking boots or your dad’s trusty Swiss Army knife. Dependable. Loyal. And with just enough quirks to keep things interesting.

The Forester dares to be old-school. And frankly, we need more cars like it.

Hyundai Tucson N Line | 314 pts

BYD Sealion 6 | 295 pts

Nissan Qashqai | 290 pts

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 279 pts

WINNER:
BYD Sealion 7
340 points

The BYD Sealion 7 is a very complete package. It looks good, feels solid, comes generously equipped and delivers the kind of smooth, effortless drive that makes EV ownership appealing.

Kia EV5 | 274 pts

Deepal S07 | 260 pts

Skyworth K | 229 pts

WINNER:
Audi Q5
307 points

In a segment packed with established players, the Q5 manages to carve its own lane. There’s an effortlessness to the way it carries itself.

If you want something that’s as good to drive as it is to live with, and you appreciate a touch of restraint in your daily ride, the Audi Q5 quattro is shaping up to be a class act.

Volvo XC60 PHEV | 291 pts

Mercedes-Benz GLC200 | 284 pts

BMW X3 m50 | 280 pts

Cupra Terramar | 273 pts

Jaguar F-Pace PHEV | 267 pts

BMW X3 | 251 pts

WINNER:
Tesla Model Y
361 points

If you’ve ever driven their cars, you’ll discover that, objectively speaking, Teslas are actually very well-rounded and capable for what they were made to do.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the Tesla Model Y, which is now one of the best-selling cars worldwide. The updated Model Y, introduced earlier in 2025, is a class act.

AION Hyptec HT | 314 pts

Zeekr 7X | 309 pts

XPeng G6 | 308 pts

Cupra Tavascan | 270 pts

WINNER:
Audi Q6 e-tron
310 points

If you want an electric SUV that still feels like an Audi, clean, honest, and well-executed, this car makes a lot of sense.

Built on the new PPE platform, this is designed as an EV from day one. And very intentionally, it still looks, feels and behaves like an Audi.

Smart #5 | 290 pts

Avatr 11 | 270 pts

Maserati Grecale Folgore | 242 pts

WINNER:
Volvo XC90
302 points

More than a decade on, the Volvo XC90 is still the one to beat in its class. It’s a vehicle designed with a clear mission: to transport your family safely, comfortably, and with a quiet sense of pride.

In a sea of oversized grills, fake engine noises, and overzealous software suites, the XC90 feels like a breath of cool Scandinavian air. It’s a car that looks after your loved ones.

Range Rover Defender | 289 pts

Audi Q7 | 280 pts

Mazda CX-80 | 265 pts

Skoda Kodiaq | 264 pts

WINNER:
Mercedes-Benz G580
338 points

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was launched in 1979 as a military vehicle. What began as a rugged off-roader has evolved into a global symbol of luxury, power, and status.

Today, it has taken its boldest step forward with the introduction of an electric version. Sounds like a contradiction, but it works far better than expected.

Polestar 3 | 276 pts