Yup, still hanging on. After another year, these are the cars and people that deserve the highest praise from ESM’s editor.

It has become tradition for ESM to dish out hypothetical awards and prizes at the start of each year, covering an ever-moving range of categories. You could even argue we’re just making these up as we go along, but onwards to the prize giving ceremony…

EngageSportMode’s 2025 Car of the Year

2025 BMW M5 Touring

Somehow, 2024 did not feel like a great year for new cars. With manufacturers caught at the crossroads between declining demand for EVs, and legislation pushing towards electrification, things just seemed a little flat.  

However, after what seemed like an eternity of people asking on social media and online forums, BMW finally made another M5 Touring. It is not perfect, let’s be honest, given it weighs the best part of 2,500kg. In fact, it weighs so much the power-to-weight ratio is barely better than the E60-generation M5 from 2006. 

But, it exists with petrol power, and the hefty hybrid assistance for the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is the sole reason for that. Plus, 737hp is hardly an output to be sniffed at.

In a world increasingly filled by electric SUVs, a performance estate that still features a V8 engine in some form is one to be celebrated. Especially when it comes in yellow.

2025 Guilty Pleasure Award

2025 Lincoln Navigator

Whilst ESM did consider awarding this to the Cadillac Escalade V, again, it is another all-out luxury SUV that grabs the prize instead. 

The new 2025 Lincoln Navigator is vast, with the potential to seat up to eight people depending on the version picked. There is a 48-inch display spanning the dashboard, nestling behind a Wollsdorf leather-wrapped steering wheel.

But, what really sold it for ESM, was the Navigator’s ‘Rejuvenate’ experience option. Selecting this (when parked) sees the driver’s seat slide backwards and begin a massage function, soothing sounds played through the audio system, and calming waterfall visuals shown on the display screen. 

Is seeking ten minutes of peace a guilty pleasure? If so, consider ESM charged.

The ‘End of an Era’ Award

Audi R8

First they took the TT, and now Audi has dispensed with the mid-engined R8. After seventeen years in production, across two generations, the German brand’s supercar is no more. 

As usual, the reasons of emissions regulations and electrification are the cause, consigning the Audi R8 to the history books. It is a sad time, with almost 46,000 examples made, it undoubtedly pushed the Ingolstadt-based marque into true premium territory. 

Thank you for the noise, Audi.

At least we’ll always have the epic R8 V10 Plus advert to remember it by. 

The ‘Lairiest Drifting Action Photo’ Trophy

2024 BMW M4 CS Press Kit

Huge respect to whoever was driving the £117,000+ BMW M4 CS when creating these press images. 

Judging by the entry speed and slip angle, this is some serious drifting action, and worthy of ESM’s praise.

The ‘Future Might Be OK’ Cup

2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV

There were actually a few contenders for this category, with both the Volvo EX30 and revised Polestar 2 proving that not everything electric has to be uninspiring. 

Instead, we’ve picked the all-new electric Dodge Charger Daytona, which has been intended to replace both the Challenger and Charger muscle cars. Given the strength of following that surrounds the latter duo, this is no mean feat.

With up to 670hp, and a ‘Fratzonic chambered exhaust’ that can generate sounds of up to 126dB, Stellantis has tried hard to make the new Charger Daytona fun. Whether Mopar fans will take to it remains to be seen, though. 

Oh, and there is a turbocharged inline-six version coming for those who can’t stomach the idea of a Charger that needs… charging.

Honourable mention: The Bugatti Tourbillon, with its 8.3-litre naturally aspirated V16 engine and hybrid assistance. Keeping it real.

The ‘Motorsport Non-Participation’ Medal

Jade Edwards

Although the title for this category may sound satirical, or derogatory, ESM actually intends for this trophy to be read with genuine sincerity. 

All of us at ESM would have much preferred to have seen Jade Edwards on the grid, competing in the 2024 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Yet, despite a valiant effort to raise sponsorship, a race seat eluded Jade.

But, in making the best out of a bad situation, BTCC fans emerged as the winners by seeing Jade become part of ITV’s media team. Her punditry and insight were invaluable throughout the year, and she brought an extra dose of personality and humour to proceedings. 

Having seen firsthand her engaging with young fans at Donington Park, Jade is a fantastic ambassador and role model for the sport, even without being behind the wheel herself.

The ‘Most Predictable Motorsport Series’ Prize

NTT IndyCar Series

Yup, we’ve previously lauded IndyCar as being the answer when motorsport gets too boring. But, during 2024 both the BTCC and Formula 1 managed to put on a show, creating genuine drama and intrigue as to who might emerge victorious in their respective championships.

Not so for IndyCar, where the crushing efficiency of Spain’s Alex Palou saw him collect his third title in just four years. We mean no disrespect to Alex – in a competition based on equal machinery, he has demonstrated that he is top when it comes to out-scoring his rivals. 

IndyCar is a chaotic series and one that, much like NASCAR, rewards consistent performances. Palou was not particularly memorable during 2024 but, like his teammate Scott Dixon, hoovered up points and podiums to emerge victorious. 

Hopefully 2025 can inject some IndyCar title drama, or at least see Alex claim an IndyCar win on an oval circuit. 

The ‘Advertising Nonsense’ Award

Ford Capri and Eric Cantona

One is a classic rear-wheel drive coupe that vanished in the 1980s. One is a French footballer, who infamously karate-kicked a spectator in the 1990s. 

So, they make an obvious pairing when it comes to promoting an electric crossover SUV, of course. Right? 

Rehashing an iconic name for a Polestar 2 clone generated enough furore alone, even without the need to throw Eric into the mix.

Merde!