BMW iX3 named best electric car in Romania for 2026, Renault 4 wins public vote

The BMW iX3 was named Romania’s Best Electric Car for 2026 at the sixth annual electromobility competition, organized by AutoExpert Media in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and supported by Arval. The award followed rigorous testing by a jury of automotive specialists, journalists, and mobility experts, who evaluated eight finalists—BMW iX3, BYD Seal U, Kia EV5, Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ, MG 4 Urban, Renault 4, Volvo ES90, and Zeekr 7X—based on real-world range, energy consumption, charging speed, and other key metrics. Testing took place over May 18-19, covering approximately 700 km in urban and extra-urban conditions. The BMW iX3, built on the German automaker’s Neue Klasse platform, also previously earned the World Car of the Year 2026 and World Electric Vehicle 2026 distinctions. Jury members assessed performance, comfort, design, and value for money, noting that the competition highlighted the rapid technological advancements in Romania’s electric vehicle segment. Separately, the Renault 4 won the Popularity Award through public voting and also received the Best Electric Design award. Other winners included Zeekr 7X for Best Electric Tech, Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ for Best Electric Range, MG 4 Urban for lowest energy consumption, and Volvo ES90 as Best Electric Premium model. The city of Ploiești was named Best Electric City 2026 for its support of electric mobility infrastructure. Florin Micu, project coordinator and CEO of AutoExpert Media, stated that the competition reflects Romania’s growing electromobility landscape, with finalists showcasing highly competitive and advanced electric models. The event underscored how quickly the EV market is evolving, with minimal differences among top contenders, signaling a mature and dynamic segment.