In many ways, the year went by in a blur, so it’s an appropriate moment to look back on life in the fast lane. The years in cars was about experimentation, fusing classic designs with new technology, and rethinking the concept of transformation, as the transition to electric vehicles is not a straightforward path, but a winding road.
Best Art Car: Julie Mehretu BMW Art Car
Courtesy of Julie Meheratu and BMW.
In May, Julie Meheratu unveiled her BMW Art Car at the Centre de Pompidou in Paris, a BMW M Hybrid V8, the 20th in the esteemed collection. The concept, inspired by an Arundhati Roy essay, “Pandemic as a Portal,” is cast in spindly black lines, red and purple blurs, and splashes of blue and yellow that evokes a Mehretu painting.
Most Desired Car: Ferrari Purosangue
Courtesy of Ferrari.
If ever there was a car that checked so many wonderful boxes. Ferrari has made its own SUV lane and it’s as delightful as a sports car. It’s a big year for Ferrari. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton makes his debut with the Ferrari team in 2025. The historic love for Ferrari will be on the podium as a reminder of the power of the prancing horse.
Best EV: Lucid Air Sapphire
Courtesy of Lucid Air.
Picture a warm breeze, winding mountain rows, and the delightful delirium of driving the most powerful version of the Lucid Air sports sedan and all the electric power it produces, intended to send shivers down the spine. The Sapphire model is equipped with a scary 1234-horsepower and a breezy California aesthetic helmed under the direction of Design Chief Derek Jenkins that makes Lucid a standout for both its elegant style and wicked performance.
Splashiest Reveal: Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
Travis Scott performing, Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
In April, Mercedes-Benz went Hollywood for the launch of the electric G-Wagon, complete with a full concert by Travis Scott performed from an electric blue G-580 hood at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. Kendall Jenner posed with her vintage G-Wagon on display and Bradley Cooper, Tracee Ellis Ross, Selma Blair, Ciara, Joseph Lee, Trevor Noah, and Saweetie added to the glam factor. The G is a statement ride, underscored by the cars and stars moment.
Best New Brand: Scout
Courtesy of Scout.
When Rivian introduced the R1T several years ago, it showed how retro design cues could be repurposed into a fresh, cool sport utility vehicle. Now here comes Scout, a historic brand that brings its own whimsical and outdoorsy aesthetic to the future of electric vehicles. To double down on its resurgent message, Scout launched with a full-on fall festival in Tennessee celebrating vintage Scouts and scouting for the future. The Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup truck, designed under the direction of Chris Benjamin, earned instant praise at the height of the Scout celebration.
Best Automotive Event: Monterey Car Week
Courtesy of Ferrari.
Collector car fever has been passed on to a new generation. Year round car events cater to the love of all things car. Monterey Car Week is still the gold standard and offers seven days straight of programming across Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley. The marquee event is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cool cars from every era fill the streets — from the garden party at the Quail to the various collection auctions. The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track is a hub of vintage racing. It’s also the place to see the latest exotics as luxury brands show up and cater to the collector crow.
Most Interesting Concept: Jaguar Type 00
Courtesy of Jaguar.
If the success of a car launch is measured by sensation, Jaguar earned high marks for the splash of its new brand campaign. The new persona debuted during Miami Art Week where its concept caused a stir. The Type 00 is a unique looking electric sports car concept revealed ahead of its 2026 launch that doubles down on what a design that Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern calls “exuberant modernism.”
