The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is World Car of the Year 2022

The 2022 edition of the World Car of the Year awarded numerous electric models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which took home the top prize.

The title of Car of the Year is the most prestigious in the automotive world. It is reserved for Europe, awarded at the start of the Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland). Meanwhile, the World Car Awards linked to the New York Auto Show seeks to be the international version. It gathers votes from 102 journalists from 33 countries, including 22 from the United States.

The Throne for the Hyundai Ioniq 5

Historically, and as early as 2006, the event featured a category called “Green Car of the Year.” While it awarded the Honda Civic Hybrid, subsequent winners remained combustion-engine vehicles (Mercedes E-Class, BMW Series 1, etc.). But in 2011, a shock—the electric car received the accolade via the Nissan LEAF. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the second was awarded—the Jaguar I-Pace—and in 2020, the “Green Car” title was discontinued.

In 2022, the ceremony shifted almost entirely towards electric cars. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 succeeds the Volkswagen ID.4, the World Car of the Year, and also wins “Electric Car” and “Design of the Year.” The crossover, built on Hyundai’s new E-GMP platform, and cousin to the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 2021 blue front — *The Hyundai Ioniq 5 in photos*

Imposing in size, it is the big brother of the electric Kona, which will be replaced in 2023, and of the smaller e-Soul. Ranging from 350 to 470 km depending on battery size, it competes with the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-e, and Nissan Ariya. Its price in France starts at €43,600 before bonuses, or €249/month in a 37-month leasing.

Mercedes EQS and Audi e-tron GT Honored

Besides the Hyundai Ioniq 5, two other electric cars received honors in 2022. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the new “Luxury Car of the Year.” Fully electric, it is the equivalent of the S-Class, inaugurating the “EVA” platform which also hosts the short EQE version. It will also feature the upcoming EQS SUV unveiled this week, and the EQE SUV. The EQS 450+ (245 kW) currently offers the highest autonomy on the market with 726 km. Its price, however, is elitist, starting from €128,550 or €3,167/month in leasing.

Audi e-tron GT quattro 2020 — The Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Audi e-tron GT, despite being only 2 years old, wins the “Performance Car of the Year” award. Sister to the Porsche Taycan on the J1 platform, crowned in 2021, it boasts the best charging power with 270 kW. With two motors, the sedan develops 476 hp (350 kW), with a 93.4 kWh battery offering up to 479 km of range. Its price is €105,100, or €145,690 for the RS version with 598 hp (440 kW).

A Hybrid Made in France Too

The latest vehicle is the Toyota Yaris Cross. The crossover version of the Yaris hatchback earns the title of Urban Car of the Year 2022, after the Kia e-Soul in 2021. Manufactured in France, this vehicle is only available with a 116 hp hybrid petrol engine.