The Volkswagen Group has emerged as the leading manufacturer at the 49th "Golden Steering Wheel" awards, taking home six out of twelve trophies. The annual awards, organized by German trade magazine AUTO BILD and the BILD am SONNTAG newspaper, recognize outstanding new vehicle models.
Volkswagen's core brand achieved a milestone by winning four categories, marking a record for the most “Golden Steering Wheels” ever awarded to a single brand in one year. CUPRA and Porsche, both part of the Volkswagen Group, also received prizes.
AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG have presented the “Golden Steering Wheel” since 1976. This year’s competition featured 72 new models. Readers from AUTO BILD, its European partner magazines, and BILD am SONNTAG participated in an initial poll to select top vehicles. The finalists were then evaluated by a jury at Germany’s Lausitzring circuit. The panel included trade journalists from the BILD Group as well as racing drivers and celebrity car enthusiasts. Vehicles were rated across 17 categories such as drive performance, chassis design, quality, sustainability, price-performance ratio, safety, and consumption.
Volkswagen is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its GTI line with the launch of the Golf GTI EDITION 50. This model features a power output of 239 kW (325 PS) and torque of 420 Nm.
CUPRA was recognized for its Terramar VZ 1.5 e-Hybrid SUV in the mid-size class category. The vehicle introduces a new generation plug-in hybrid powertrain with an electric range exceeding 100 kilometers.
In the upper mid-size class category, Volkswagen's ID.7 GTX Tourer—its first fully electric estate car—was honored for offering ample space and comfort alongside a dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivering up to 250 kW (340 PS).
Porsche received recognition in the sports car category for its latest iteration of the Porsche 911 GT3. Launched in its anniversary year with enhanced lightweight construction and a naturally aspirated engine producing up to 375 kW (510 PS), it remains closely linked to motorsport while suitable for daily use.
Volkswagen's Tayron won in the family car segment due to its spaciousness and versatility; it offers seating for up to seven people and can tow loads up to 2.5 tonnes.
The editorial award for "Best car under €40,000" went to Volkswagen’s T-Roc model which has been updated with more space, improved comfort features, hybrid technology advancements, and additional assistance systems.