The seventh generation of BMW’s popular compact luxury sedan triumphed over the biggest carsales Car of the Year field ever assembled.
Twelve carsales judges took 28 finalists and put them through a demanding six-day process to determine a single Car of the Year, plus two ‘highly commended’ runners-up.
Judging involved on-road testing, key criteria analysis, ownership and running-cost comparisons, and, finally, a drive-off and vote for carsales Car of the Year. As well as the finalists, the awards were fuelled by Shell V-Power.
2019 carsales Car of the Year: BMW 3 Series
Driving satisfaction, quality, comfort and competitive ownership prospects came together to make the BMW 3 Series the 2019 carsales Car of the Year.
Judges were impressed with the BMW’s satisfying driving qualities, its sweetly refined turbo four-cylinder engines, much-improved ride comfort and classier and more upmarket cabin ambience. They deemed it a clear return to form for the model that once defined the compact-luxury segment, but has been put under pressure in recent generations.
When the judges considered its competitive technology, safety, resale value and running costs, the result was the most unanimous carsales Car of the Year vote ever. As chief judge Marton Pettendy put it, “The 3 Series is a level above the rest.”
Highly commended: VW Touareg
VW’s large SUV romped into the runner-up spot on the back of an eminently well-rounded talent set.
Judges loved its sprawling five-seat cabin, big boot, technology levels and upmarket fit and finish. They raved about its gutsy and refined V6 turbo-diesel engine, its mighty brakes and rock-solid handling.
When they pondered the Touareg’s five-year warranty and considerable price advantage over BMW’s X5, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE and other large luxury SUVs, a ‘highly commended’ gong was inevitable. According to the carsales crew, it’s the “best large five-seat SUV on sale today”.
Highly commended: BMW X3
With the second runner-up spot going to BMW’s mid-sized SUV, it was two out of three for the German brand in this year’s carsales Car of the Year runoff.
BMW’s luxury SUV contender scored roundly with judges for its sensible size and smartly packaged, practical and beautifully finished cabin. They were just as impressed with its punchy four-cylinder turbo engine and ability to disguise its family-car intent through bends with an almost hot-hatch-like driving experience.
Big ticks for safety, technology and value were sufficient to quell rumblings from some judges about ride quality and push the BMW into the final podium position.
Honourable mentions
Tesla’s Model 3, Volvo’s S60, Toyota’s Supra and Jaguar’s XE didn’t go home with any official silverware, but each of these impressive vehicles attracted votes from carsales judges.
The contenders
- Audi A6
- Audi Q8
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW X3
- BMW X5
- Citroen C5 Aircross
- Ford Endura
- Ford Focus
- Genesis G70
- Holden Acadia
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai Veloster
- Hyundai Venue
- Jaguar XE
- Kia Cerato
- Kia Seltos
- Lexus UX
- Mazda3
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Nissan LEAF
- Peugeot 508
- Renault Kadjar
- SsangYong Korando
- Tesla Model 3
- Toyota Supra
- Toyota RAV4
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volvo S60
The criteria
- RedBook cost of ownership (score out of 30 per cent)
- Dynamics and safety (20 per cent)
- Innovation and technology (20 per cent)
- Practicality and presentation (20 per cent)
- Road testing (10 per cent)
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