Driven by design: Mercedes-Benz CLA is the 2026 European Car of the Year

Mercedes-Benz has been crowned kings of the road at the Brussels Motor Show with its all-electric CLA winning the 2026 European Car of the Year award.

The German luxury sedan took first place in the fiercely competitive contest to win its first title since the 450E claimed the prize in 1974.

A jury made up of 59 motoring journalists, representing 23 countries, picked the car above the chasing pack, praising its real-world range and efficiency and 'appealing dynamic character'.

he manufacturer is entitled to use the title and the distinctive Car of the Year logo for the year of the award (he manufacturer is entitled to use the title and the distinctive Car of the Year logo for the year of the award)

The German premium manufacturer succeeds France's Renault 5 E-tech and beat Skoda's Elroq into second place.

The voting process, however, is not designed to provide a scale of merit of all competing cars. There are no categories, sub-divisions or class winners.

This year's edition was more competitive than ever, given that all the finalist models had electrified features, and most of them were 100% electric.

The Skoda Elroq scored 220 points to come second with the international jury of motoring journalists (The Skoda Elroq scored 220 points to come second with the international jury of motoring journalists)

There were five other contenders in the race for the coveted title with the Kia EV4 taking third spot.

The Kia EV4 was voted the third best European Car of the Year 2026 (The Kia EV4 was voted the third best European Car of the Year 2026)

Best of the rest

In selecting the car of the year the jury must consider the following criteria: design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price.

Citroën C5 AirCross collected 207 points and was favourite among 15 motoring experts (Citroën C5 AirCross collected 207 points and was favourite among 15 motoring experts)

Dacia's Bigster finished sixth in the race for the title (Dacia's Bigster finished sixth in the race for the title)

Renault's revisit to its past continues apace but the Renault 4 model perhaps suffered as a result of the French brand's success over the past two years. (Renault's revisit to its past continues apace but the Renault 4 model perhaps suffered as a result of the French brand's success over the past two years.)