The shortlist for Spain’s 2027 ABC Car of the Year brings together 15 finalists from seven countries. It includes seven fully electric cars and a record number of Chinese brands, while a jury of 100 automotive journalists reflects major changes in Spain’s car market as electrification and new international players challenge the status quo.
This is the 55th year of Spain’s top automotive award, and the field is more varied than ever. The 15 finalists are BYD Dolphin G, Changan Deepal S05, Cupra Raval, DS Nº7, Ebro s900, Geely E2, GWM Ora 5, Kia EV2, Leapmotor B05, Mercedes-Benz GLC Eléctrico, Omoda 7, Renault Clio, Skoda Epiq, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen ID.Polo. They cover many technologies. The field includes electric and hybrid engines, along with plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and bifuel gasoline-LPG options, reflecting the market’s current crossroads.
Chinese brands have never had such a strong showing in Spain. Several Chinese models made the shortlist, competing directly with established European and Asian names. The shift has already sparked debate in the industry, as seen in a recent report on the impact of affordable Chinese cars in Europe. Data from auto-stats and Europa Press shows that the rise of Chinese brands is no one-off event. New models such as the Geely E2 and Omoda 4 are already set to launch in Spain soon, pointing to a lasting trend.
But the competition involves more than where the cars come from. Each finalist brings its own size and powertrain, with a distinct balance of efficiency and price. The Cupra Raval and Ebro s900 highlight Spanish engineering, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Eléctrico and Toyota RAV4 represent established global players. The Renault Clio and Skoda Epiq add further variety, so no single technology or country dominates. Information from auto-stats, models such as the Renault Clio and Toyota RAV4 have been among Spain’s top sellers in both 2025 and 2026, which explains their place on the shortlist.
The winner will be chosen in January by a jury drawn from Spain’s leading automotive media. Google/SpainAuto expects this year’s vote to be especially close, given the range of technologies and the high stakes for manufacturers seeking to lead in a changing market.
The strong presence of electric vehicles and the arrival of Chinese brands show how quickly the industry is changing. The outcome will name a winner and reveal which strategies are connecting with experts and buyers in Spain. As Europa Press and auto-stats.eu point out, the 2027 award season is already underway across Europe and North America, underlining the broader significance of these shifts.
