Brussels Motorshow 2026 breaks records

The Brussels Motor Show 2026 has wrapped up and in style. With nearly 350,000 visitors, the 102nd edition can undoubtedly be considered one of the most successful car shows of recent years.

Not only did it far surpass the 2025 attendance figure (307,363), the opening weekend alone shot past 100,000 visitors, a powerful sign that the Motor Show has once again captured the interest of the wider public.

According to organiser Febiac, the 2026 edition was “a particularly successful show,” driven by a strong lineup of exhibitors, a broad mix of powertrain technologies and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed sense of emotion.

More brands than ever: 67 car brands, 28 motorcycle manufacturers

Between 9 and 18 January, 67 car and light commercial vehicle brands gathered in the Heysel palaces, joined by 28 motorcycle brands. That alone makes Auto Show 2026 an exceptional edition in a European landscape where traditional car shows are becoming increasingly rare.

Remarkably, a quarter of visitors said they came specifically for the motorcycles. Not surprising, because for the first time since 2020, there was once again a fully-fledged motorcycle show with its own dedicated hall.

The absolute crowd-puller? Without a doubt the motorcycle simulator, which thanks to realistic lean angles, braking pressure, and acceleration offered an experience uncannily close to riding on a real circuit. A fun element that brought queues, competition, and excitement: exactly what a car show needs.

World premieres as audience magnets

Brussels Motor Show 2026 again confirmed its role as an internationally relevant platform. Spread across the various halls, Belgian, European, and even world premieres were unveiled.

One brand stood head and shoulders above the rest this year: Kia. The Koreans presented no fewer than four world premieres:

• the completely new Kia EV2

• and the sporty GT versions of the EV3, EV4, and EV5

A clear message: Brussels is once again a show that matters.

Not only electric: realism gains ground

Where previous editions were often dominated by purely electric models, this year stood out because of the broader technological mix. In addition to EVs, visitors also saw:

• mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids

• petrol and diesel engines

• range extenders

• and even hydrogen, albeit in limited numbers

This aligns more closely with the reality of the market and with the needs of private buyers. The message was clear: electrification is inevitable, but the road toward it remains diverse and pragmatic.

Less perfect: absent brands remain a missed opportunity

Still, not everything was perfect. Despite its strong success, Auto Show 2026 did not offer a complete picture of the car market. Several brands chose not to participate for strategic or budgetary reasons.

A pity, especially because the 2025 visitor record was broken 24 hours before closing. There is hope that the overwhelmingly positive feedback will convince manufacturers to return en masse in 2027.

Will there be a Brussels Motor Show 2027?

That question remains unanswered for now. Febiac reports that a decision about a next edition will be made in the coming weeks. First, the organization “wants to enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere a little longer.”

But given the numbers, enthusiasm, and regained relevance, one thing seems clear: the motor show is far from obsolete.

Verdict: Brussels shows why car shows still work

Brussels Motor Show 2026 was not a nostalgic look back, but a modern, energetic, and realistic auto exhibition. With passion (motorcycles), innovation (world premieres), and pragmatism (powertrain mix), the show once again connected with what car enthusiasts truly want to see.

If this is the new benchmark for European auto shows, then we can cautiously say: Brussels has put itself back on the map.