Two Chinese Cars Are Nominated For The 2024 Car Of The Year Europe Finalists

BYD Seal launched in Europe on September 1, 2023. (Doc. BYD)

JAKARTA - Two cars from China were selected as finalists for the European Car of the Year 2024, namely BYD Seal and Volvo EX30. The two will compete for titles with five other vehicles including BMW 5-series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Renault Scenic, Toyota C-HR, Volvo EX30.

Quoted from the official website of Caroftheyear.org, Wednesday, November 29, it means that two cars from China will compete for titles with five other models, both from Japan, South Korea and Europe.

Interestingly, big names who also control the market with various models, such as Ford, Volkswagen, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Nissan did not pass the nomination stage even though they also have a variety of leading models on the candidate list.

Back to the two Chinese models, BYD Seal is an intermediate-sized electric sedan that follows Ocean Aesthetics design language created by Wolfgang Egger, with a length dimension of 4800 mm, 1875 mm wide and 1460 mm high.

In Europe, BYD Seal has been launched since September 1, 2023, with two variants of powertrain. The entry-level model has a single electric motor in the back double that produces 313 hp of power. The Blade LFP battery powered it with 172 cells and has a capacity of 82.5 kWh. The RWD Seal range reaches 570 km (WLTP). The top BYD Seal trim has two 530 hp powered e-motors and the same battery for the WLTP range of 520 km.

Meanwhile, Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV that stands on the SEA platform developed by Geely Group. This one car has dimensions of 4233 mm long, 1838 mm wide and 1555 mm high with a 2650 mm wheelbase, and is equipped with a portrait-oriented screen.

The Volvo EX30 entry-level has an electric motor measuring 268 hp paired with a 69 kWh LFP battery, capable of traveling a distance of 480 km WLTP. The dual motorcycle version can cover a distance of 460 km.

The two Chinese cars above have the opportunity to win The Car of the Year in Europe in 2024. Later 59 journalists from 22 countries in Europe will choose the best vehicles this year and the winners will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show exhibition on February 26.