10 Best Awards
Mercedes-AMG E 53 powertrain makes for a thrilling ride
The plug-in hybrid system in the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 has been named to the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. The system produces a combined 604 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, with an all-electric range of 42 miles. The 3.0-liter inline-six engine works in tandem with an electric motor, delivering both an exhilarating acceleration soundtrack and serene cruising capability. The EPA combined fuel/electricity rating is 23 mpg (gasoline) and 59 MPGe (hybrid).
Electrification in full force on Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winners’ list
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Powertrains list has been officially released, with electrification becoming the absolute mainstream: among the 10 winning powertrains, 9 are pure electric or hybrid, and only 1 is pure fuel-powered, setting a record for the fewest non-electrified winners in the award's 31-year history. The number of hybrid (including plug-in hybrid) winners reached 5, while pure electric vehicles accounted for 4. A total of 28 nominated models were tested in the evaluation, of which 20 were electrified models. The winners will be announced sequentially on WardsAuto starting October 9, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 23 in Dearborn, Michigan.
Wards 10 Best Engines Enters Its Fourth Decade, With Nominees from ADX to ZR1
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards enter their fourth decade, with the 2025 nominee list announced and testing underway. The list includes 30 powertrains ranging from the Acura ADX's 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder to the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 (producing 1,064 horsepower), including multiple hybrid and pure electric systems. Winners will be announced in mid-September, with an awards ceremony on October 22 in Dearborn, Michigan.
Light Cabins, Bold Colors and Google Proliferation Key Trends Among 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors and User Experience Awards have been announced, with winning models favoring light color schemes and bold contrasting colors in cockpit design, and commonly featuring Google's Android Automotive OS. Judges noted that light-colored interiors create a serene space, alleviating driving stress; meanwhile, the number of BEV models winning awards has increased, with Ford, GM, Hyundai-Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota winning consecutively. The awards ceremony will be held on June 5 during the AutoTech: Detroit conference.
Dodge Charger Daytona Interior, Tech Electrifies
The interior design team of the Dodge Charger Daytona faced a dual challenge: to craft a cabin for the brand's and Stellantis North America's first all-electric model while continuing the muscle car DNA of the Charger lineage. The result balances cutting-edge technology with classic heritage, from the Demonic Red seats to the dual-screen layout, from the PowerShot button to the 270-degree ambient lighting, showcasing an ultimate pursuit of detail.