The GQ Car Awards 2023: the world's best electric vehicles

24 February 2023

The era of electric vehicles has arrived - only electric cars were winners at the 2023 GQ Car Awards, which aim to identify the world’s finest vehicles.

Only electric cars were winners at the 2023 GQ Car Awards, which aim to identify the world’s finest vehicles. Accolades went to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, Lotus Eletre, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Renault 5 Prototype.

Let’s take a look at why these EVs were judged to be models that are inspiring, have integrity and get pulses racing...

Hyundai IONIQ 6: ‘Saloon of the Year’

The GC judges praised the sleek ‘streamliner’ styling and futuristic, high-tech feel of the Hyundai IONIQ 6.

The IONIQ 6 is available with rear-wheel drive and 228PS of power and 350Nm of torque, or with all-wheel drive with 325PS and 605Nm.

All models feature a 77.4kWh battery which delivers a maximum potential range of 338 miles for the rear-wheel drive model, or 322 miles for the all-wheel drive model. Both of these range figures are based on WLTP and the real-world range will be lower.

The IONIQ 6 has an 800v charging system which provides a maximum ultra-rapid charge rate of 233kW.

Premium and Ultimate trims are available, with prices starting at £46,475, and first deliveries are due to begin shortly.

Lotus Eletre: ‘SUV of the Year’

The Lotus Eletre is the brand’s first SUV (referred to by Lotus as a ‘Hyper-SUV’) and its first production EV. GQ’s judges said that the Eletre’s “power, range and styling” were key reasons for it being an award-winner.

The EV is available in three variants: the Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R. The Eletre and Eletre S both have a power output of 603hp and 710Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. The 112kWh battery can deliver a maximum range of 373 miles (WLTP figure) and can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

The Eletre R has even more power – 905hp – along with huge torque of 985Nm. The outcome is a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 2.95 seconds, making it the world’s fastest pure electric dual-motor SUV. The Eletre R has a driving range of up to 304 miles, again using WLTP figures.

The Lotus Eletre is set to hit roads later this year and is priced from £89,500 in the UK, with a standard equipment including five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, active front grille and 10-spoke 22-inch forged wheels.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: ‘Icon of the Year’

The GC judges praised the Volkswagen ID. Buzz for its “strong sustainability credentials and bright, iconic design that radiates feel-good energy”.

All variants of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz feature a 77kWh lithium-ion battery with a 258-mile range (WLTP figure) and a 150kW (204PS) rear-mounted electric motor that develops 310Nm of torque.

The interior features recycled synthetic material and the ID. Buzz is manufactured using sustainable components such as battery housings and wheel rims made from green aluminium.

The ID. Buzz five-seat people carrier and ID. Buzz Cargo van are available to buy now. Volkswagen says that if a customer was to order a new vehicle now, they could expect delivery in September 2023 (people model) or July 2023 (van), depending on specification. Prices start from £57,115 for ‘Life’, £61,915 for ‘Style’, with the ‘1st Edition’ priced from £62,995.

Renault 5 Prototype: ‘Prototype of the Year’

The GC judges were impressed with the electric Renault 5 Prototype’s “city-focused pure electric drivetrain in a cleverly designed body that presents a modern twist on the original Renault 5.”

The Renault 5 Prototype reflects the silhouette of the original whilst also taking styling cues from the Supercinq and the Renault 5 Turbo with its extended rear wheel arches. The vent in the bonnet now conceals the charging cable socket.

The Renault 5 Prototype previews the future Renault 5, which is scheduled for 2024. Renault says that it demonstrates the brand’s ambition to make electric cars widely accessible.

DS E-Tense Performance: ‘Concept of the Year’

The DS E-Tense Performance features Formula E technology and has a power output of 804bhp, which enables the all-electric coupe to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than two seconds.

Before you get too excited about going out and buying a DS E-Tense Performance and winning the traffic lights grand prix, it’s just a concept, which means it’s not on sale now, and it may never reach your local DS showroom. Unfortunately.