BMW i3 wins UK Car of the Year 2014

The BMW i3 won the UK Car of the Year 2014 at the inaugural awards and also won in the ‘Supermini’ category. The BMW 5 Series also bagged the award for ‘Executive’ car class.

The UKCOTY Awards bring together judges from all corners of the UK, as well as from a wide variety of backgrounds — creating the most complete judging panel of any motoring awards. The awards aim to provide an independent set of awards for the car industry, highlighting the best vehicles in the market in a range of categories for UK buyers. 27 journalists judged cars across 12 categories for the first UK Car of the Year awards.

“‘Game-changing’ is such a cliché but that is what i3 is. From the eco-focused technology that underpins it, to the modern and functional design and material choices – including the most original production car interior this century – the i3 is far more than just a new car. Indeed, with its connected drive approach seeking to make links with other forms of transport and the surrounding infrastructure, rather than simply impose itself upon its environment, the i3 represents the start of a whole new way of thinking about getting from A to B,” said Guy Bird, UKCOTY judge, about the BMW i3.

Uwe Dreher, BMW UK Marketing Director, said: “For the BMW i3 to be voted as the first ever UK Car of the Year is real testament to the years of research and development that have gone into making BMW’s first electric production car. The BMW i3 has pushed the boundaries in every way from sustainable production, to its unique construction and revolutionary ownership proposition. The judging panel clearly recognize this and we are delighted to be given such an independent accolade.”