The votes have been tallied for the first-ever Electric Road EV Owner Awards, and they categorically prove that the shift to electric vehicles hasn’t diluted the thrill of driving.
After analysing thousands of owner submissions, three superb vehicles rose above the rest to claim the top spots in their respective size categories for ‘Performance & Handling’. From agile urban runarounds to driver-focused autobahn cruisers, here is an in-depth look at the top three EVs that owners praise for their driving dynamics, cornering ability, and sheer acceleration.
The Small EV Winner: MINI Cooper
When it comes to small cars and driving dynamics, MINI is automotive royalty. The All-Electric MINI Cooper successfully defends that crown by winning the Small EV category, with an incredible 91.6% of its owners selecting ‘Performance & Handling’ as a standout attribute.
The MINI Cooper proves that a battery pack doesn’t have to ruin the brand’s legendary ‘go-kart’ feel. By keeping the vehicle relatively compact and tuning the suspension for immediate response, MINI has created an EV that delivers instant torque and smile-inducing agility on twisty B-roads.
What the owners say
Owners repeatedly highlighted the sheer joy the car brings to everyday driving.
“Handling is good, driving is lively and the car is well-built and works well so far for my needs. More practical than my previous MX-5,” noted one driving enthusiast.
Another owner compared it favourably to the brand’s traditional combustion hot hatches: “The one pedal driving is a delight and even though it’s not as quick as my last JCW, it is still fast enough but I find I’m a calmer driver with the electric.”
The Medium-Sized Masterclass: CUPRA Born
Taking the top spot in the highly competitive Medium-sized EV category is the sporty CUPRA Born. An outstanding 94.1% of its owners selected ‘Performance & Handling’ as a core reason they love the vehicle.
The Born takes the sensible foundations of the Volkswagen ID.3 and injects it with Spanish flair and a significantly sharper chassis setup. With rear-wheel drive, a lower ride height and responsive steering, the Born successfully bridges the gap between a sensible family hatchback and a genuine hot hatch.
What the owners say
The Born’s ability to entertain on a winding road was a massive selling point for its owners.
“Stunning to drive. Handling on point. Brought up on GTIs and a couple of VR6s but my Born is a huge step up as a driver’s car! Words I never thought I would say,” exclaimed one converted petrolhead.
Another owner appreciated its dual personality: “It is easy to drive and quite refined, but also allows for a bit of fun when wanting to push.”
The Large EV Leader: BMW i4
BMW claims to build the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ and according to EV owners, that tagline absolutely applies to the i4. Achieving an astonishing 96.7% selection rate for ‘Performance & Handling’ – the highest percentage of any EV – the i4 utterly dominated the Large EV category.
The i4 succeeds because it feels like a traditional BMW sports saloon first, and an electric vehicle second. It manages its significant weight brilliantly, offering rear-wheel drive balance (or rear-biased all-wheel drive in the M50 version), phenomenal grip, and the kind of relentless acceleration that luxury buyers demand.
What the owners say
Owners were blown away by the car’s dynamic capabilities and its refinement at speed.
“Incredibly smooth and yet powerful with sharp handling for such a heavy car, yet supple comfortable suspension,” explained one highly satisfied driver.
Another owner perfectly summarized its appeal to traditional BMW buyers: “Drives like a ‘normal’ BMW. Huge amounts of power for very cheap running costs and beautifully quiet and refined.”
The models above had the highest percentage of owners cite ‘Performance & Handling’ as one their favourite features, within their respective size categories. Only models with a minimum of 20 unique submissions were considered for the Owner Awards. All images were sourced from the respective manufacturers’ media websites.
