The Korean Automobile Journalists Association has selected the BMW New 5 Series as the Car of the Month for November 2023.
The committee for selecting the Car of the Year, under the journalists’ association, evaluates newly launched models as well as facelifts within a monthly period, from the 1st to the last day of the month, to announce the Car of the Month.
The evaluation criteria consist of five categories: ▲ interior and exterior design and emotional quality ▲ safety and convenience features ▲ driving performance ▲ energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions ▲ marketability and purchase intention.
Among the new cars introduced last month, the BMW New 5 Series, Genesis GV80 facelift, Polestar upgraded Polestar 2, and Honda All-New Accord (in alphabetical order) were nominated for the Car of the Month, with the BMW New 5 Series ultimately winning with a score of 31.3 points out of 50 after a competitive process.
The BMW New 5 Series received a score of 7.3 points out of 10 in interior and exterior design and emotional quality, while achieving 6.7 points in both the safety and convenience features and driving performance categories.
Jeong Ji-yeon, chairperson of the Car of the Year selection committee, stated, “The New 5 Series, which has undergone a complete redesign to its 8th generation after six years since 2017, is an iconic model of BMW that embodies unique design and digital innovation.” She also mentioned, “It features the most spacious interior in its class, incorporates a curved display, and is equipped with an engine utilizing 48V mild hybrid technology, achieving powerful performance while minimizing fuel consumption and enhancing ride comfort.”
The Korean Automobile Journalists Association has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month since 2019, with the KG Mobility Torres EVX winning last month.
The association announces the Car of the Month results on its homepage. Selected vehicles receive a special privilege that allows them to bypass the preliminary rounds of this year’s Car of the Year selection process and proceed directly to the final first round of judging.
Meanwhile, the Korean Automobile Journalists Association is comprised of 55 member outlets, including major daily newspapers, broadcasting stations, news agencies, online media, and automotive magazines, with over 200 journalists active among its members.
Founded in August 2010, the association aims to contribute to the development of the automotive industry, promote proper automotive culture, enhance the qualifications of automotive journalists, and foster mutual exchange among its members.
The association annually selects and announces the “Car of the Year (COTY)” for the best automobile in South Korea and organizes various events, including symposiums and seminars discussing automotive-related issues, tech tours, and celebrations for automotive professionals.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr