The Hyundai INSTER has clinched the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award in the “Vehicles under €25,000” category, as recognized by AUTO BILD & BILD am SONNTAG. This highly coveted award highlights the all-electric small SUV’s impressive design, fast-charging capabilities, and spacious interior, making it Germany’s best-selling electric small car in 2025.
Hyundai INSTER: A Standout in the EV Market
The Golden Steering Wheel award emphasizes Hyundai INSTER’s remarkable appeal in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. With a strong emphasis on everyday usability, generous space, and an excellent price-performance ratio, the INSTER has proven superior to its competitors, making it a top choice for German drivers. Since its introduction in December 2024, the INSTER has quickly become the leading EV in the small car segment, thanks to its advanced features and practicality.
In a statement, Xavier Martinet, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, praised the INSTER, saying, “Hyundai INSTER is a powerful example of how we deliver accessible mobility solutions. It reflects our commitment to making electric vehicles available to everyone – smart, stylish, and designed for real life.”
Top Features of the Hyundai INSTER
The Hyundai INSTER impresses with its range of advanced technology and standard equipment. Even the entry-level Select model comes equipped with a 10.3-inch digital cockpit, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and smartphone integration through Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™.
In terms of performance, the INSTER offers fast-charging capabilities, charging from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes at a fast-charging station, with a charging capacity of up to 85 kW. This combination of impressive charging speed and efficiency has made it a standout in the small EV market, further cementing its position as Germany’s best-selling electric small car this year.
Additionally, the INSTER boasts impressive energy consumption rates of 14.3 kWh/100 km (for the 42 kWh model) and 14.9 kWh/100 km (for the 49 kWh model). With CO2 emissions of 0 g/km, it remains a top choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Golden Steering Wheel Recognition
The Golden Steering Wheel has been awarding the best new cars of the year since 1976, and this year saw 21 vehicles in eight classes reach the final, including the Hyundai INSTER in the micro/small car category. Hyundai INSTER was chosen by AUTO BILD’s editorial team for its superior handling, quality, sustainability, and overall value for money. The win underscores Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance, eco-friendly, and accessible vehicles to the European market.
Future Outlook for Hyundai’s EV Portfolio
Hyundai’s dedication to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio is clear. The success of the INSTER is just one part of the company’s broader strategy to offer vehicles that combine progressive design, advanced technology, and everyday usability. Following the INSTER’s success, Hyundai plans to continue expanding its EV offerings, with exciting future models like the IONIQ 9 on the horizon.
The INSTER’s Golden Steering Wheel win confirms that Hyundai’s vision for accessible electric mobility is resonating with customers across Europe, and the company is poised to remain a key player in the rapidly growing EV market.