BMW celebrates triple victory at the 2026 What Car? Tow Car Awards

BMW is having a strong summer on the awards circuit, already picking up silverware from Autocar, Autotrader, EcoCar, and Auto Express, and now adding a standout performance at the 2026 What Car? Tow Car Awards. It’s a timely reminder of just how broad BMW’s current line-up has become, with everything from plug-in hybrids to fully electric SUVs earning recognition across the industry.

But nowhere has the brand shone more clearly this awards season than in the world of towing, where stability, efficiency, and real-world usability matter more than headline figures.

And, to be fair, some of us here are Gateway2Lease are very keen on the Caravan and Motorhome scene, so this award really appealed to us.

What the judges look for in a tow car

The What Car? Tow Car Awards are among the most respected in the towing community, thanks to a rigorous testing process that evaluates cars not just on their ability to pull a caravan, but on how they behave in everyday driving.

Judges assess stability at speed, hill-start performance, braking, lane-change behaviour, and overall towing confidence, with each model tested against a caravan weight appropriate to its class. It’s a demanding set of criteria and this year, BMW rose to the top in emphatic fashion.

The headline win went to the BMW 530e Touring, which was named both the overall Tow Car of the Year and the class winner for towing caravans over 1,700kg.

What Car?’s testers praised the 530e for its exceptional stability, strong fuel economy, and the kind of calm, composed driving experience that make long-distance towing far less tiring. The combination of a smooth petrol engine, electric assistance, and BMW’s trademark chassis balance gives the 530e a reassuringly planted feel, even with a heavy caravan in tow. Add in the Touring’s spacious interior and premium finish, and it’s easy to see why judges described it as an “exceptional tow car”.

Plug-in hybrids have become increasingly popular among towing drivers, and the 530e Touring is a perfect example of why.

The electric motor provides instant torque for pulling away cleanly, while the petrol engine delivers consistent power on longer journeys. The result is a tow car that feels both muscular and efficient, with the added benefit of low-emission driving when not towing. For lease customers, that blend of performance and practicality makes the 530e Touring one of the most compelling all-rounders in the executive estate market.

BMW’s success didn’t stop at the 530e Touring though.

The BMW iX3 was named What Car?’s best electric tow car for caravans over 1,400kg, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of the most capable electric SUVs on sale. As the reigning What Car? Car of the Year, the iX3 has already proven itself as a refined, efficient family SUV, and its towing award cements its status as a benchmark for electric tow vehicles.

Electric cars have improved dramatically in recent years, and the iX3 is a prime example of how far the technology, and towing capability has come.

Judges highlighted its stability, strong performance, and predictable handling as crucial traits when towing at motorway speeds. The iX3’s instant torque delivery makes it particularly well-suited to towing, helping it to pull away smoothly and confidently even with a heavy load. Its low centre of gravity also contributes to excellent stability, which is one of the key reasons electric SUVs are becoming increasingly popular among caravan owners.

For drivers looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on towing ability, the BMW iX3 sets a new standard.

BMW’s triple success at this year’s Tow Car Awards highlights the strength and versatility of its electrified line-up. Whether customers prefer plug-in hybrid efficiency or fully electric refinement, BMW’s latest models offer some of the most capable towing cars in their respective classes.

For leasing customers planning regular caravan trips, both the BMW 530e Touring and the BMW iX3 deliver the stability, comfort, and confidence that make long-distance towing feel effortless. Choose which BMW you are going to lease here.