How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

First, each contender needs to be a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Next, they must be powered and propelled solely by electricity from battery packs. Finally, they need to be sold with a Category A Certificate of Entitlement (Cat A COE). Done deal.

Meet The Contenders

The first two are Bavarian. They are the BMW iX1 (left) and BMW iX2 (right).

The next three are from parent company Stellantis. They are the Citroen e-C4 X (left), Opel Mokka-e (right) and Peugeot e-2008 GT.

Finally, we have the sole South Korean of the group, the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Let the battle royale commence!

The BMW iX1 offers much more space and practicality compared to the previous-generation X1, but now with pure electric propulsion.

With an easily recognisable exterior, sufficient technology and an upmarket interior combined with a smooth yet engaging drive, the iX1 comes into this competition swinging for gold.

As does its coupe-sibling, the BMW iX2. Nearly everything that’s been said about the iX1 also applies here, albeit with a more sleek and audacious four-door SUV coupe body style.

Being the M Sport variant, a more sporty stance and driving experience sets the iX2 apart from its full-SUV brethren. Tech abounds on the inside, as does premium-feeling materials that exude the right levels of ostentatiousness that a BMW should.

The Citroen e-C4 X is practical and brings French flair to this Cat A electric SUV segment. Being a Citroen, one can expect a plush and comfortable ride, even over those tiny ‘killer’ humps that are found in shopping mall and industrial building carparks.

If you need a simple electric SUV, the Opel Mokka-e may be right up your alley. It’s straightforward and no-nonsense, meaning it’s easy to drive and park. With good ride comfort, practicality and smartphone integration, the Mokka-e is designed for those who just want to get on with the journey.

As with the pre-facelift, the Peugeot e-2008 GT is as quirky as French cars come. This time, it features wireless smartphone integration, a slightly larger battery pack and improved efficiency.

Its ride comfort is good, but it can also take corners pretty enthusiastically. And yet again, for its compactness, the interior is rather usable, and once past its French quirks, one can get comfy with the e-2008 GT quite quickly.

The Cyberpunk-looking Hyundai Kona Electric is sure to turn heads as one drives past. With an interior festooned with technology and creature comforts, and with a driving experience that’s surprisingly agile, there’s much to like about this SUV EV.

Six compelling Cat A SUV EV contestants, and only one can be crowned the winner.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat A SUV EV
BMW iX1

The winner with 402 points is the BMW iX1. This win was not surprising at all, given the unanimous decision of the judging panel. For practicality, space, upmarket feel and brand cachet, the iX1 cannot be beat.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BMW iX1 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Cat A SUV EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

First, each contender needs to be a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), obviously! Next, they must be powered and propelled solely by electricity from battery packs. Finally, they need to be sold with a Category A Certificate of Entitlement (Cat A COE). Easy peasy.

Meet The Contenders

One is South Korean, one Japanese, one Chinese and one French. Clockwise from top left, they are the Kia Niro Electric, Mazda MX-30, BYD Atto 3 and Peugeot e-2008 GT. Let’s go!

The Kia Niro Electric comes in strong with a sleek and modern design. Trimmed with premium materials on the inside and all the tech gizmos one would need on a drive, the Niro Electric is and there’s plenty of space for passengers and luggage.

Add to that a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride and you’ve got yourself a compelling package here.

The Mazda MX-30 is unique in that it is the only SUV in this price range to feature freestyle doors. Following the philosophy of Jinba-Ittai, the MX-30 is designed to look and feel upmarket and premium. Eco-centric materials abound on the inside, and everything is kept simple.

Add to that how it goes around corners and the MX-30 becomes an attractive proposition.

The BYD Atto 3 is roomy, spacious, comfortable and has an infotainment screen that can be flipped from landscape to portrait and vice-versa. It also has a clean exterior design that will appeal to many.

On the road, the Atto 3 is quiet, comfortable and very energy-efficient with good range. It is also easy to drive and place into parking spots.

The Peugeot e-2008 GT is as quirky as French cars come. It looks uniquely fierce from the front to the extent that drivers ahead get out of the way. Its ride comfort is good, but it can also take corners pretty enthusiastically.

For its compactness, the interior is rather usable, and once past its French quirks, one can get comfy with the e-2008 GT quite quickly.

Four great Cat A EV SUVs, and only one can be crowned the winner.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat A SUV EV
BYD Atto 3

The winner with 352 points is the BYD Atto 3. The judging panel was impressed with how efficient it is, and how it feels the more complete package as an EV SUV.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BYD Atto 3 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat A SUV EV!