Double Honours at the “Golden Steering Wheel” Awards: BMW I3 and BMW M2 CS Win Coveted Accolade

BMWM23 Series

• Resounding success for the BMW i3 in the Mid-size Cars category.
  
  
• The model follows in the footsteps of the BMW iX3, which also won a “Golden Steering Wheel” in the previous year.
  
  
• This repeat success underscores the high regard in which the Neue Klasse technology is held.
  
  
• BMW M2 CS takes top spot in the Sports Cars category based on performance and outstanding value for money.
  
  
• Readers selected the finalists; a panel of experts picked the winners based on practical tests.
  
  

Triumph for BMW at the 2026 “Golden Steering Wheel” awards: the second Neue Klasse model, the BMW i3, has now also won this coveted trophy. The fully electric Neue Klasse model effortlessly took first place in the Mid-size Cars category. In doing so, the BMW i3 followed in the footsteps of the BMW iX3, which took the Best Innovation award at last year’s event. Victory in the Sports Cars category went to the BMW M2 CS compact high‑performance sports car (fuel consumption, combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 226 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)¹, which beat out a strong field of competitors. Between 2 July and 2 August, readers selected 27 finalists from 79 new models across nine categories. A panel of experts then picked the winners based on comprehensive and intensive testing at the Lausitzring race track in Germany.

Two models, two Golden Steering Wheels – this result highlights the strength and diversity of our portfolio. The BMW i3 shows how the Neue Klasse combines innovation, driving pleasure and sustainability. Meanwhile, the BMW M2 CS embodies hallmark BMW M appeal, setting new standards for performance and driving dynamics in its segment. These awards are a strong endorsement of the direction we have taken, and the work of the entire BMW team.

The BMW i3 is the first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse. Since its market launch on 30 September, it has been available in two versions: the BMW i3 50 xDrive with 345 kW/469 hp (WLTP combined (EnVKV): energy consumption 18.0–13.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A)¹ and the BMW i3 40 xDrive with 275 kW/374 hp (WLTP combined (EnVKV): energy consumption 17.9–14.3 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A)¹. Like every BMW 3 Series, it embodies sporty driving pleasure, unmistakable design and a commitment to technical progress.

With its modern 2.5-box design, the BMW i3 is instantly recognisable as a BMW. Its silhouette showcases the signature BMW sporting proportions. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and eye-catching surfaces shape the distinctive appearance of the BMW 3 Series. In terms of engineering, it offers sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, state-of-the-art driver assistance with Symbiotic Drive and the “Heart of Joy” high-performance computer. These are complemented by BMW Panoramic iDrive, with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant assuming a key role in the system’s multimodal operating logic. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ AI technology ² enables natural dialogues with the vehicle.

The BMW i3 offers a high degree of everyday usability and long-distance capability, with a maximum range of 912 kilometres (WLTP)¹. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables energy for up to 423 kilometres ³ to be added in 10 minutes. Support for bidirectional charging means that the BMW i3 can be used as a mobile power bank on the road, or as a flexible energy storage device at home.

With the advanced Operating System X, the new BMW i3 and the entire BMW 3 Series are set to offer more entertainment value than ever before, including Amazon Prime Video ⁴, the Boosteroid app ⁵ and AirConsole. BMW Maps now comes with even more informative graphics. In conjunction with the optional Motorway/Highway Assistant or Motorway/Highway & City Assistant, it features a new display that shows any nearby objects detected by the vehicle’s sensors directly in the 3D navigation map.

The panel of experts considered the new BMW i3 to be clearly superior to the other finalists overall. They awarded it first place for visibility, infotainment, graphics/software display, build quality, start-up behaviour, power delivery, acceleration, agility, steering, braking feel, WLTP consumption and value for money, securing the BMW i3 the undisputed top spot in the Mid-size Cars category.

We are proud of this outstanding result at the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ awards. The BMW M2 CS is sheer fascination – whether as a track tool on a racing circuit or in day-to-day use. With this special model, we have once again set the benchmark in the compact high-performance sports car segment. It adds a new chapter to the success story that began with the legendary BMW 2002 turbo. We are delighted that the BMW M2 CS resonated with readers and that its dynamic performance on the Lausitzring along with its excellent value for money then impressed the expert panel as well.

The BMW M2 CS redefines the benchmark in its segment. Its high-revving 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops 390 kW/530 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Its maximum torque of 650 Nm is available from 2,750 to 5,730 rpm. The accelerator mapping and response characteristics for all drive modes selectable via the M Setup menu were optimised in order to convert the improved performance characteristics of the engine into a particularly intense driving experience. The judicious use of lightweight design techniques, including a multitude of exterior and interior components made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, makes this model the lightest BMW M2 of the current generation. All of this enables exceptional performance (0–100 km/h: 3.8 s; 80–120 km/h: 3.4 s; top speed 302 km/h). In addition to strong test scores, the BMW M2 CS also impressed the experts with its excellent value for money.

The “Golden Steering Wheel” is jointly awarded by car magazine “Auto Bild” and the “Bild am Sonntag” weekly paper, both published by German Axel Springer SE. It ranks among the most prestigious accolades in the European automotive industry. First presented in 1976, this annual award honours outstanding new vehicles on the German market – this year marks its 50th anniversary. In 2026, there were a total of 79 new models in nine vehicle categories to choose from. Based on readers’ votes, three models in each vehicle category progressed to the finals at the German DEKRA-Lausitzring race track in September. Here, the top competitors faced a panel of race car drivers, celebrity car enthusiasts and motoring editors-in-chief. Following comprehensive tests, the experts awarded points ranking the vehicles’ everyday usability, quality, sustainability, powertrains and driving characteristics. Value for money and efficiency also entered into the overall score.

<sub>All descriptions of equipment features, technical data, consumption and emission values refer to vehicles as offered on the German market. The figures refer to a vehicle with base-level equipment in Germany. Depending on the selected wheel and tyre size as well as the selected optional equipment, the figures may vary in line with the vehicle’s configuration. Market-specific differences may occur.
The official figures for power consumption were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP measurement procedure and are in accordance with Pkw-EnVKV. For more information, go to www.bmw.de

¹ All figures stated were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP measurement procedure. The real-world values depend on various factors, such as load, driving style, route, weather, auxiliary consumers (including climate control systems), tyres and, where applicable, battery condition.
² Will be rolled out gradually for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 and X from the second half of 2026 at the latest. Availability will be gradually expanded, starting with the German and U.S. markets.
³ The added range after 10 minutes of high-power charging was determined in accordance with ISO 12906, based on the WLTP cycle. Range and charging performance depend on vehicle equipment, state of charge and age of the battery, battery temperature, individual driving style, use of auxiliary consumers, ambient temperature and the charging power of the charging station.
⁴ Amazon Prime Video is available via the BMW Video App or as an app download from the in-vehicle App Store.
⁵ Availability depends on the market and derivative. This feature requires a vehicle equipped with BMW Operating System X and in-vehicle access to a BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Customers with a Boosteroid account can access games they already own on various other gaming platforms.

All equipment features, fuel consumption and CO₂ figures in this press release refer to the German market. Variations may occur in other markets.</sub>

BMW M2 CS (fuel consumption, combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 226 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)¹

BMW i3 50 xDrive (WLTP combined (EnVKV): energy consumption 18.0–13.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A)¹

BMW i3 40 xDrive (WLTP combined (EnVKV): energy consumption 17.9–14.3 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A)¹

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133.5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

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