These Three Audi Models Just Won Major Auto Express Awards

[Source: Auto Express]

For Audi, the trophy cabinet just got a little more crowded. The brand enjoyed a strong showing at the 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards, with three different models taking top honors in their respective categories. The all-electric A6 e-tron was named Best Large Company Car, the new A5 claimed the Premium Hybrid Car award, and the recently redesigned Q3 was recognized as the Best Small Premium SUV.

The trio of awards highlights just how broad Audi’s lineup has become. Whether buyers are looking for an efficient executive sedan, a premium hybrid, or a compact luxury SUV, Audi continues to earn praise from one of the United Kingdom’s most respected automotive publications. Just as importantly, the wins reflect Audi’s ongoing product renaissance, as the brand rolls out an all-new generation of vehicles designed to compete at the very top of their segments.

Audi A6 e-tron

The Audi A6 e-tron took home the Large Company Car award, validating Audi’s strategy of waiting until it had the right product before entering the executive EV segment. Built on the brand’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, the A6 e-tron impressed judges with its blend of long-range capability, premium comfort, and refined driving dynamics. Depending on the model, buyers can choose power outputs ranging from 282 to 496 horsepower (U.S. cars range from 375 to 456 horsepower), while the most efficient versions offer an official driving range of up to 463 miles (top range for U.S. cars is 392 miles). Auto Express also praised the A6 e-tron’s high-quality interior, intuitive mix of physical controls and touchscreen technology.

The smooth, confidence-inspiring driving experience was another highlight. Testers called the A6 e-tron a thoroughly well-rounded package that showcases Audi at its best.

Audi A5 e-hybrid

The Audi A5 e-hybrid dethroned last year’s winner, the BMW 530e, to claim the Premium Hybrid Car award, with Auto Express calling Audi’s latest plug-in hybrid the new benchmark in the segment. Powered by a 295-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain in the U.K. specification, the A5 pairs impressive performance with an electric-only driving range of up to 68 miles, allowing many owners to complete their daily commutes without using a drop of gasoline. Judges were particularly impressed by how seamlessly the A5 transitions between electric and gasoline power, avoiding the jerky behavior that often characterizes plug-in hybrids. Combined with Audi’s premium cabin, generous technology, and strong fuel economy on longer journeys, the A5 e-hybrid delivers the best of both worlds, proving that efficiency and luxury no longer require compromise.

The only downside to the Audi A5 e-hybrid is that Audi does not yet offer it in the U.S. That could change at any point, but as of now Audi has not announced any plans to bring it here. Whether the car is eventually sold here or not, this win shows how competitive Audi is in this class.

Audi Q3

Rounding out Audi’s trio of winners was the all-new Audi Q3. It captured the Best Small Premium SUV award thanks to its combination of premium refinement, impressive efficiency, and confident driving dynamics. Auto Express praised the redesigned Q3 for its upscale interior, intuitive infotainment system, and broad range of powertrain choices.

Testers singled out the plug-in hybrid as the standout model, which is not yet offered in the U.S. In testing, the Q3 Sportback e-hybrid delivered an impressive 54 miles of electric-only driving before returning more than 42 mpg once the battery was depleted. The ability to DC fast charge at up to 40 kW, something key rivals such as the BMW X1 plug-in hybrid cannot match, was another highlight. Judges also commended the Q3’s composed handling, responsive steering, and sure-footed grip, while recommending the available adaptive suspension for buyers seeking an even more comfortable ride. Together, those qualities make the latest Q3 one of the most complete premium SUVs in its class.

Overall, it was a strong showing for Audi. Hopefully the award-winning plug-in hybrid models eventually make their way across the pond.