Cupra Celebrates "Trend Brand of the Year" Win at auto motor und sport BEST CARS
SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 26, 2025 – The automotive world is buzzing as Cupra has been named "Trend Brand of the Year" at the prestigious auto motor und sport BEST CARS awards. This recognition, stemming from Germany's largest and most traditional end-user survey in the automotive sector, underscores Cupra's remarkable ascent in the industry.
The BEST CARS reader's choice, a highly anticipated event, saw the participation of 94,531 notarized individuals, many of whom are considered automotive trendsetters and opinion leaders. Their collective voice serves as a significant early indicator of industry trends. "The Spanish Seat Performance subsidiary Cupra impresses with its sportiness, innovative technology and very attractive design. The creative positioning of the brand appeals to younger and older target groups as well as volume and premium drivers alike. Within just five years, Cupra is in first place in our trend question. This is a sensational development and a masterpiece for the marketing textbook," says Markus Eiberger, Managing Director of Motor Presse-Vermarktung and responsible for conducting the BEST CARS reader's vote for many years.
Detailed Results and Surprises
The survey encompassed 462 vehicles across 13 categories, providing a comprehensive overview of the automotive landscape. Notably, the "Mini Cars" category did not feature a division between overall and import ratings due to the absence of German manufacturers in this segment. "However, the feedback from our readers shows that these are precisely the models that are sorely missed," says Birgit Priemer, editor-in-chief of auto motor und sport. The Abarth 500e emerged victorious in the smallest models category, mirroring the success of its combustion engine predecessor.
Electromobility saw limited representation at the top, with the VW ID. Buzz ("E-Bully") securing a win in the vans category. Birgit Priemer notes, "At the same time, there is a noticeable greater openness to dealing with a wide variety of brands and models, as shown by the success of Cupra as well as the Dacia Duster's jump to second place in the import ranking in the small SUV/crossover category." This highlights a growing fluidity between domestic and imported brands, as well as premium and volume segments.
Dominance and Notable Performances
Mercedes maintained its strong presence, securing overall victories in four categories, mirroring its performance from the previous year. VW (overall ranking), Alfa Romeo, and Škoda (import ranking) each claimed three category wins. BMW and Porsche each took two top places in the overall rankings. The "perennial winner," the Porsche 911, achieved the highest rating across all overall rankings with 35.7 percent approval. "With 46 victories in the sports car category, the Porsche 911 is the most successful model in the history of BEST CARS."
Audi returned to the winner's circle with the Audi A5's victory in the mid-size category, a significant achievement after a two-year absence. The Alpine A110, Aston Martin DB 12 Volante, Bentley Continental GT, Hyundai Staria, Range Rover, and Volvo V90 each secured wins in the import category. The Mazda MX-5, a long-standing leader in the convertible import category, settled for second place. "The Mazda MX-5 is and remains a phenomenon. The roadster is an indispensable part of our readers' hearts," Birgit Priemer commented.
Looking Ahead: BEST CARS Goes Public
The full results of the BEST CARS 2025 survey are available in the current issue of auto motor und sport (6/2025), published on February 26, 2025. This issue can be found in stores and online at shop.motorpresse.de.
To further celebrate the winners, the "BEST CARS goes public" exhibition will take place as part of the Hamburg Port Anniversary from May 9 to 11, 2025. This event will showcase the winning cars from the overall and import rankings, as well as models from Cupra, the "Trend Brand of the Year." The event will also feature food trucks and live music, promising an engaging experience for attendees.
The auto motor und sport BEST CARS awards continue to be a crucial barometer for the automotive industry, reflecting the preferences and trends shaping the market. Cupra's "Trend Brand of the Year" win is a testament to its growing influence and innovative approach, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
For more information visit.