BMW, the BMW i3, the second Neue Klasse model, has now also won the “Golden Steering Wheel” award. The BMW M2 CS beat out a strong field of contenders to take the award in the Sports Cars category
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.
Zwei Modelle, zwei Goldene Lenkräder – dieser Erfolg unterstreicht die Stärke und Vielfalt unseres Portfolios. Der BMW i3 zeigt, wie die Neue Klasse Innovation, Fahrfreude und Zukunftsfähigkeit verbindet. Der BMW M2 CS steht zugleich für die ganze Faszination von BMW M und setzt in seinem Segment Maßstäbe für Performance und Fahrdynamik. Diese Auszeichnungen sind eine starke Bestätigung für unseren Weg und für die Leistung des gesamten BMW Teams. Milan Nedeljković, Vorstandsvorsitzender der BMW AG
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 technology2 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 kilometres3 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 Video4, the Boosteroid app5 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.
Wir sind stolz auf dieses herausragende Ergebnis bei der Wahl zum ‚Goldenen Lenkrad‘. Der BMW M2 CS ist pure Faszination – ob als Tracktool auf der Rennstrecke oder im Alltag. Mit dem Sondermodell setzen wir in dem Hochleistungssportwagen-Kompaktsegment erneut die Benchmark. Es schreibt die Erfolgsstory fort, die mit dem legendären BMW 2002 turbo begann. Dass der BMW M2 CS zunächst die Leserinnen und Leser überzeugte und dann mit seinen fahrdynamischen Qualitäten und dem ausgezeichneten Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis auch die Jury bei den ausgiebigen Testfahrten auf dem Lausitzring, freut uns sehr.
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.
“Golden Steering Wheel” – 50 years of honouring the most significant new vehicle models with one of the industry’s most prestigious annual awards. 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.
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