New for 2026, our Best Design award recognises the upcoming new models that wowed the CarExpert team the most this year.
Automakers have a long tradition of presenting eye-catching show cars draped in impossibly lavish exteriors, fitted with space-age interiors and sometimes backed by unobtainable performance figures.
But many of them never see the light of a showroom. That’s why this award is restricted to striking, upcoming new models that you’ll actually be able to buy — and soon.
Here are the Best Designs that impressed us most this year.
Best Choice
Chery Ute
Chery’s first ute in Australia has tough, purposeful styling that we think will resonate with ute buyers Down Under.
Finalist
Honda Prelude
Honda’s resurrected Prelude is a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by SUVs with its sleek coupe styling.
Finalist
BMW IX3
The first ‘Neue Klasse’ BMW has a bold new design language inside and out that charts a new course for the German luxury brand.
Compare 2026’s Best Design
Explore our top picks for Best Design this year, with side-by-side comparisons to make your choice easy.
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