Mazda is proud to announce that the all‑electric Mazda6e has been awarded the 2026 World Car Design of the Year (WCDOTY). The award was officially revealed this week at the New York International Auto Show.
This recognition marks Mazda’s third win in the World Car Design of the Year category, following the Mazda MX‑51 (2016) and Mazda3 (2020). It represents an important milestone as Mazda continues to refine and advance its design approach for a new generation of electrified vehicles.
Established in 2004 by automotive journalists from around the world. The World Car Awards (WCA) are determined by an international jury of approximately 100 automotive journalists from 33 countries. For 2026, the Mazda6e was chosen from 90 eligible vehicles.
The Mazda6e represents a modern interpretation of Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy, tailored for the brand’s electric future. Its elegant proportions, sculpted surfaces and warm, inviting interior to express a balance of movement, harmony and precision deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship. The result is an EV that remains emotionally engaging while staying true to Mazda’s core design values.
“We are honoured to receive the 2026 World Car Design of the Year award for the Mazda6e. This recognition reflects the dedication of our global design teams and their continued pursuit of clarity, artistry and Japanese craftsmanship in a modern EV. We are proud that the Mazda6e resonates with customers and experts worldwide.”- said Jo Stenuit, Mazda Motor Europe‘s Design Director.
“The Mazda6e represents a new challenge in Mazda’s journey toward electrification, pursuing both preservation and innovation of the distinctive design that Mazda has cultivated over the years. The model combines vibrant, life-inspired forms with a sense of advanced modernity befitting a battery electric vehicle, while achieving a beautifully proportioned coupe silhouette.” – said Yoshito Iwauchi, Mazda Motor Corporation, Chief Designer of the Mazda6e.
As of 2026, Mazda has achieved three World Car Design of the Year wins and two overall World Car Award titles.
WINS
- 2026 – World Car Design of the Year: Mazda6e
- 2020 – World Car Design of the Year: Mazda3
- 2016 – World Car of the Year & World Car Design of the Year: Mazda MX‑5
- 2008 – World Car of the Year: Mazda2 / Demio
The 2026 World Car Design of the Year award highlights the strength of Mazda’s evolving design language whilst the brand accelerates its electrification strategy. With further beautiful EV models, like the Mazda CX-6e2 on the horizon, Mazda remains committed to crafting vehicles that embody beauty, craftsmanship and harmony in every detail which Mazda describes as crafted with Japanese Soul.
1 Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Prime-Line, Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Exclusive-Line, Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Kazari, Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Prime-Line, Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Exclusive-Line, and Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Kazari (combined) energy consumption 6.2 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 140 g/km; CO2-class E.
2 Mazda CX-6e Energy consumption combined: 18.9-19.4 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, CO2 class: A.
