It’s a Mercedes-Benz trifecta in the latest round of the World Car Awards, the winners of which were just announced at the 2015 New York Auto Show. Over the years, the awards have grown to include five separate categories, seeking to determine the best of the best of the ever-increasing new car spectrum, and incredibly this year three categories were taken out by the Three-Pointed Star.
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The judging is done exclusively by automotive journalists, and there were 75 involved for the 2015 awards. As for the candidates, they must be new and available for sale on at least two continents during the time period between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.
2015 World Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Finalists: Ford Mustang, Volkswagen Passat
Previous winners: Audi A3 (2014), Volkswagen Golf (2013), Volkswagen Up (2012)
The World Car jurors observed that: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminum/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.”
2015 World Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
Finalists: BMW i8, Range Rover Autobiography Black Long-Wheelbase
Previous winners: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2014)
The World Car jurors observed that: “Mercedes-Benz design and technology are forming a marriage that is more happy than ever. There is no better car to prove it than this stunningly beautiful derivative of the S-class, available with powerful, turbocharged V-8 and V-12 engines.”
2015 World Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GT
Finalists: BMW M3/M4, Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
Previous winners: Porsche 911 GT3 (2014), Boxster/Cayman (2013), 911 Carrera S (2012)
The World Car jurors observed that: “Its on-road presence alone is almost enough to qualify it as a ‘Top 3’ finalist. But in addition to its ruggedly handsome looks it has an impressive spec sheet comprising biturbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, 456 hp (minimum)...and much, much more.”
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2015 World Car Design of the Year: Citroën C4 Cactus
Finalists: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo XC90
Previous winners: BMW i3 (2014), Jaguar F-Type (2013), Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2012)
The World Car jurors observed that: “The Cactus is a truly innovative piece of design. It has an appealingly distinct exterior announced first by its slender upper front lights, proportions slightly different to any other car, and by those stand-out ‘air-bumps’ that help safeguard against parking scrapes. Inside it eschews lots of dials and buttons for a very minimal uncluttered approach: controls centered on and around a central digital screen and many of the core surfaces and volumes kept linear, reduced, and pleasantly un-car-like. The Cactus design is a proper breath of fresh air.”
2015 World Green Car: BMW i8
Finalists: Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid, Volkswagen Golf GTE
Previous winners: BMW i3 (2014), Tesla Model S (2013), Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2012)
The World Car jurors observed that: “The BMW i8 gasoline hybrid looks so cool, it should be the icon for all “Green” cars..So it inspires Green Passion, which on paper looks like 155 mph on the i8's three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, four-wheel drive and four seats. The i8 adds so much enjoyment to a sensible lifestyle that it needs to be recognized as a great Green Car.”
For more from the New York Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.
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