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2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards recognise the best cars, motorcycles, and scooters launched between 1st November 2024 and 31st October 2025 across 13 classes
In the calendar year 2025, the Indian automotive space witnessed strong momentum across many segments with steady sales numbers reflecting growing buyer preferences. Several new models entered the market during this period, and a few of them managed to create a significant impact with their design, features, performance, and value, standing out in an increasingly crowded landscape.
The 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards aim to recognise and celebrate these standout products. After detailed evaluation, extensive discussions and multiple rounds of internal debate, our team of editors and industry experts carefully determined the winners. Each selection has been made after weighing real-world relevance, segment competition, innovation and overall customer appeal.
2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards
1. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Car Of The Year – XEV 9E
Mahindra’s XEV 9e has emerged as a game-changer in India’s EV story — beyond just selling a few cars, it’s reshaping the very mindset of Indian buyers. Thanks to its bold design, ultra-tech features, and strong performance, the XEV 9e (alongside its sibling BE 6) racked up 30,000 orders in just seven months, a clear signal that premium electric SUVs are now resonating deeply with Indian consumers. Starting at around ₹ 21.90 lakh for the base version and going up to ₹ 30.50 lakh for the top spec, the 9e proves that “affordable luxury EV” isn’t a contradiction.
What really impresses is how “big on features” it is: triple 12.3-inch screens, 24 GB RAM, Snapdragon 8295 chip, 5G, Level-2 ADAS, Harman Kardon 16-speaker system, OTA updates, and more. With these achievements, Mahindra has firmly staked its claim as a leader in India’s EV transition — not just selling EVs, but changing what people think an EV can be. That’s why it has been crowned the Car of the Year. It is unlike any other Mahindra SUV on the road, thanks to its distinctive looks, advanced technology, and, apparently, an electric heart.
2. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Bike Of The Year – TVS Apache RTX 300
TVS’ first foray into the adventure motorcycle space with the Apache RXT 300 turned out to be a strong statement of intent. It rekindles the classic Apache spirit where attention to detail and overall balance were always central to the experience. In addition to its capable performance and well-judged pricing, its design leaves a lasting impression too.
The proportions, surfaces and stance come together in a way that demands a second look. There’s a sense of purpose and confidence baked into every angle and boy! the way it rides deserves applause complemented by a packed features list. At the end of the day, it is supple and can be used for everyday riding as well making it our Bike Of The Year.
3. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Scooter Of The Year – Hero Xoom 160
Another Hero in our awards list is the Xoom 160, which has grabbed the coveted Scooter of the Year. Known for its radical appeal, it is part of a barrage of new two-wheelers introduced by Hero MotoCorp in recent times and undoubtedly, the most appealing and perhaps one of the nicest scooters we have ever ridden, emphasising its touring nature.
4. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice SUV Of The Year – Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Maruti Suzuki Victoris has really taken the midsize SUV segment by storm since its market launch a few months ago and its good reception can be clearly seen on the sales charts. Available in an expansive range, it can be bought with petrol, hybrid and CNG powertrains. With underbody CNG tank fitment conserving boot volume and a spacious cabin loaded with tech, the Victoris clearly stands out above the rest of the SUV launches.
5. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice VFM Package Of The Year – Vinfast VF6
Despite being a new entrant, VinFast has thoughtfully put together the VF6 for the domestic market as it is capable of offering a good driving range without digging a deep hole in your pocket, priced from just Rs. 16.49 Lakh with a 59.6 kWh battery. Complementing its capabilities is a modern interior loaded with features and technologies – enough to convince us to hand over the VFM Package of the Year award.
6. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Luxury Car Of The Year – BMW iX1 LWB
The BMW iX1 LWB has been instrumental in shaping up the luxury electric car space since its arrival. It offers the signature BMW experience while not being too expensive and is packed to the gills. With electric propulsion and engaging drive capabilities, it was hard to look past it for the Luxury Car of the Year award. The LWB has been tailor-made appeal and it ensures high standards of practicality and spaciousness without compromising looks and the textbook BMW driving appeal.
7. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Green Car Of The Year – Tata Harrier.ev
With a dual-motor setup, the Tata Harrier EV shows serious ability both on the road and beyond it. Built on a platform that has already proven itself, the electric version feels like a natural and confident evolution. It delivers the kind of performance and control buyers expect from a modern midsize SUV. Arriving at the right moment, it fills a much-needed gap in the growing e-midsize SUV space. The Harrier EV balances capability, technology, and everyday usability with ease. Its strengths go beyond just electrification and reflect solid engineering throughout.
8. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Green 2W Of The Year -Ultraviolette X47
The Ultraviolette X47 stands out as a true sports tourer with the ability to adapt across riding conditions. It feels just as comfortable filtering through daily traffic as it does stretching its legs on the open highway. The bike also shows enough composure to take on rougher and well-used roads when required. Its riding range adds to the sense of confidence for longer journeys. The combinations of performance and practicality makes it more than a one-dimensional EV.
9. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Design Of The Year 4W – Mahindra BE6
When it comes to pure design impact, the Mahindra BE 6 stands in a league of its own, making it an obvious choice for Design of the Year 4W. Its bold and polarising styling draws comparisons with globally admired sports cars, thanks to its sharp surfaces, flowing lines and dramatic proportions.
What truly sets it apart is that this level of visual drama comes without supercar-level pricing. The BE 6 manages to feel aspirational yet attainable at the same time. The balance between standout design and real-world affordability adds to its appeal. It turns heads without trying too hard. For many, that combination seals its place at the top.
10. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Design Of The Year 2W – Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin
The Royal Enfield Classic 650 Twin proves that good design doesn’t need to shout. It looks familiar at first glance but the added heft gives it a presence the smaller Classics never quite had. The proportions feel spot on with nothing trying too hard to stand out. Metal parts, paint finish and detailing all feel honest and well thought through. It carries old-school charm without slipping into nostalgia overload. There’s an elegance to the way it sits and moves and that appeal is exactly why it wins Design of the Year 2W.
11. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Update Of The Year 4W – Kia Carens Clavis
When Kia introduced the Carens a few years ago, it brought fresh momentum to the MPV space. As the segment settled, the brand pushed further by expanding its midsize portfolio with the Carens Clavis, offered in both ICE and electric forms.
That move has clearly struck a chord with buyers, with demand surging soon after prices were revealed. The Clavis strengthens Kia’s presence in a fiercely competitive segment. Its timing, positioning and powertrain choices have all worked in its favour. Few updates manage to create this level of impact so quickly.
12. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Update Of The Year 2W – Vida VX2
Hero MotoCorp’s push to strengthen its foothold in the entry-level two-wheeler space gained substance with the introduction of the VX2 under its Vida sub-brand. Positioned aggressively on price, the electric scooter is offered with a choice of two battery pack options, widening its appeal. Combined with accessible pricing, the VX2 is an attractive proposition for first-time EV buyers. The VX2 focuses on value without diluting everyday usability. Its arrival clearly resonated with the market and sparked strong interest.
13. 2026 GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Performance Car Of The Year – MG Cyberster
The MG Cyberster’s numbers leave little room for doubt about its intent. Powered by a 77 kWh battery pack, it delivers a claimed MIDC range of 580 km while producing a staggering 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque. Those figures translate into explosive real-world performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 kmph takes just 3.2 seconds and experiencing that acceleration on the race track only reinforced its credentials.
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