Kia Wins Three Awards at Germany's Top Auto Awards, First for a Non-European Brand

EV5, K4 and EV2 Sweep Three Awards

Kia announced on November 11 that it had become the first non-European brand to win three awards in a single year at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards, jointly organized by German automotive publications Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag.

Kia's EV5, K4 Sportswagon, and EV2 (from left), selected for the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards. Kia

The EV5 took first place in the Compact SUV category, beating the Audi Q3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5.

The K4 Sportswagon was also selected in the Compact Car category, beating the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Cupra Born. The EV2 won in the Best Car Under 30,000 Euros category, in which editors select the winning vehicle after evaluating factors including price, specifications, warranty, optional equipment, and driving experience based on the German market. By winning awards with both electric and internal-combustion engine vehicles, Kia demonstrated that it has global competitiveness at the highest level.

Established in 1976, the Golden Steering Wheel Awards are Germany's most prestigious automotive awards. This year, a jury of 23 prominent figures from across Europe, including nine-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner Sebastien Ogier and active racing driver David Schumacher, evaluated the contenders through tests at the DEKRA Lausitzring circuit. They assessed factors including handling, ride comfort, ease of use, and everyday practicality.

Robin Hornig, editor-in-chief of Auto Bild, said, "By taking the lead in three vehicle-class and price categories with fully electric and gasoline models, Kia has demonstrated that it offers top products across a wide range of segments."

Kia President Song Ho-sung poses for a photo to celebrate Kia's triple win at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards, held in Germany on the 10th (local time). Kia

Kia President Song Ho-sung said, "We are honored to be the first non-European brand to win awards in three categories in a single year at the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel Awards, which have a 50-year history. It is especially meaningful that our product competitiveness across Kia's vehicle lineup and our efforts to offer customers valuable choices have been recognized."

Meanwhile, in August, the EV5 demonstrated its excellence by taking first place overall in an SUV comparison test conducted by the German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport, beating Tesla's best-selling Model Y, as well as the Chinese-made XPeng G6 and MG S6 EV. The EV2 has also demonstrated its competitiveness by becoming a finalist for the 2027 European Car of the Year. The winner of the 2027 European Car of the Year award is scheduled to be announced at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium in January 2027.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.