This is the big winner of the Best Cars 2026 competition held in Germany. Volkswagen Group has just achieved an unprecedented performance at the 2026 edition of « Best Cars », winning ten of the twenty-five categories and taking 28 of the 75 places on the podium. A record in the history of the competition. For the Wolfsburg-based group, these trophies symbolise the public validation of its strategy.
« Best Cars: a genuine European barometer
The ‘Best Cars’ awards are organised by the German motoring magazine auto motor und sport, Europe’s leading motoring magazine. Created in 1976, this readers’ vote is now considered to be the continent’s biggest automobile consultation. For this 50th edition, almost 95,000 readers voted for 480 models in 13 categories.
The principle is simple:
- an overall ranking for all brands;
- an « import » classification, where German brands are not eligible.
In other words, we’re not talking about a select jury or a prize awarded by experts alone, but a massive vote by customers and enthusiasts. In short, a true indicator of desirability and image.
Ten victories across all brands
In detail, the German group comes out on top with :
- Three wins for Volkswagen (including one for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles)
- Two for Porsche
- One for Audi
- Three for Škoda in the import rankings
- One for Bentley
This diversity illustrates a central point: success is not just based on the top of the range or traditional combustion engines. It cuts across all segments, from city cars to SUVs, not forgetting electric models.
A massive product offensive in the background
This record comes after two years of intense renewal of the Group’s portfolio. Around 60 new models have been launched, and more than 20 more are expected this year, including several 100% electric vehicles. The strategy is clear: cover all segments, all engines, all markets. And it’s working.
In addition to the arrival of a large number of new vehicles, each Volkswagen Group brand is pursuing ambitious energy transition targets:
- Volkswagen: accelerating towards a predominantly electric range in Europe by 2030, with the ID family gaining considerable momentum.
- Audi: announced end of development of new internal combustion engines and 100% electric premium positioning in the medium term.
- Porsche: target of a majority of electrified sales (plug-in hybrids and electric cars) within a decade.
- Škoda: democratisation of electric vehicles with more accessible models and rapid expansion of its BEV range.
- Bentley: gradual switch to all-electric power in the luxury segment.
In other words, even brands that have embarked on a far-reaching transformation, with massive investment in electromobility, continue to win prestigious awards. A strong signal for a sector that is often disparaged by the public.
Electromobility attracts, it’s a reality
The fact that electrified models such as the ID. Buzz are among the winners confirms a fundamental trend: electromobility is no longer a gamble, but a market expectation. Consumers are voting. And they are also voting for electric or hybrid vehicles.
For the Volkswagen Group, this record at « Best Cars 2026 » is not just symbolic. It validates a strategic trajectory: that of a group that wants to remain a world leader while accelerating towards more sustainable mobility.
