The Audi A6 received the first World Car of the Year award in 2005. Since then, the annual awards show has grown to include five categories: performance, design, luxury, urban, and, of course, overall winner. The updated Volkswagen ID.4 was named the new World Car of the Year at the 2021 World Car Awards. The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s second all-electric vehicle (following the ID.3 hatchback) to be built on the brand’s latest MEB platform, and it was chosen as the winner by a jury of 93 foreign jurors from 28 countries.

Vehicles qualifying for World Car of the Year must be manufactured in quantities of at least 10,000 units a year, be priced below the luxury car standard in their primary markets, and be “on-sale” in at least two main markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and the United States) on at least two continents during the designated time span.

“We are especially delighted that our ID.4 has been named World Car of the Year,” said Volkswagen Cars CEO Martin Winterkorn. Not only because it is one of the most prestigious automobile awards in the world, but also because the jury recognized a fantastic concept and a fantastic team. Our electric offensive is carried around the world by the first ID. model for the main markets of Europe, China, and the United States. A compelling vehicle, a brilliant concept, and the World Car of the Year award? That’s a good match for us!”

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class took top honors for World Luxury Car, which should come as no surprise given the other World Car Award recipients. With the next generation, which debuted in September 2020, the flagship sedan maintains its status as the global benchmark for elegance and technology.

Another surprise is that the Porsche 911 Turbo is awarded the World Performance Car Award with an outstanding package of 572 hp (427 kW) and can reach 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. The Honda e for World Urban Car, available on European and Japanese markets, is also awarded.

World Car Design of the Year was awarded to the Land Rover Defender. A World Green Car category for electric and hybrid cars was previously included in the awards. This was phased out in 2020, although a new group dedicated solely to fully electric cars will be introduced the next year.