Volkswagen is celebrating with the ID.4 just announced as 2021 World Car of the Year, making it the fifth time the brand has won this accolade.

This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a shortlist of three finalists as announced on March 30, 2021. The Top Three in the World finalists for 2021 are the Honda e, the Toyota Yaris and the Volkswagen ID.4.

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Cars, said “we are particularly pleased about our ID.4 being named World Car of the Year”. 

“Not only because it is one of the most important car awards in the world - but because the jury also honored a great idea and a great team. The first ID. Model for the key markets of Europe, China and the U.S. carries our electric offensive around the world. A convincing car, a great idea – and the World Car of the Year award? That goes well together for us!”

Vehicles eligible for the World Car of the Year award must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year, must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets, and must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets, on at least two separate continents, between May 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won World Luxury Car, the Honda e took out World Urban Car title, the Porsche 911 turbo was World Performance Car, and World Car Design was won by Land Rover Defender.

The car is voted by 93 international journalists from 28 countries that make up the World Car Awards jury panel.