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Mercedes-Benz CLA is Car of the Year 2026
Europe has chosen. During the official Car of the Year 2026 vote, which took place today at the Brussels International Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz CLA was named Car of the Year 2026. With 320 points, the German model left its six rivals behind and takes the throne from the Renault 5 E-Tech.
The prestigious title was awarded after a classic “Eurovision-style” voting system, in which 59 motoring journalists from 23 European countries cast their votes. The ceremony also marked the 63rd edition of the award and signalled a notable return of a premium brand to the very top.
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A historic win for Mercedes-Benz
For Mercedes-Benz, this accolade is more than symbolic. It is only the second time in history that the brand has won the Car of the Year title. The previous win dates back to 1974, with the iconic 450 SE/SEL. More than 50 years later, Mercedes is once again right at the top of the European car landscape.
That the CLA wins right now is no coincidence. The model perfectly embodies the current transition of the car market: design-driven, technologically progressive and heavily electrified, without sacrificing driving pleasure or the premium feel.
A strong field, a clear winner
The 2026 edition was one of the most competitive ever. All finalists had some form of electrification, and the majority were even fully electric. The seven finalists were:
Citroën C5 Aircross
Dacia Bigster
Fiat Grande Panda
Kia EV4
Škoda Elroq
Yet it was the Mercedes CLA that convinced most. Not only did it achieve the highest total score, it was also by far the favourite for first place, with 22 jury members placing it top. For comparison: the Citroën C5 Aircross received 15 first places, the Fiat Grande Panda 9.
The full Car of the Year 2026 result
Mercedes-Benz CLA - 320 points
Škoda Elroq - 220 points
Kia EV4 - 208 points
Citroën C5 Aircross - 207 points
Fiat Grande Panda - 200 points
Dacia Bigster - 170 points
Renault 4 - 150 points
Notably: not a single jury member placed the Renault 4 first, possibly because it stood in the shadow of earlier Renault wins with the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Renault Scénic.
Why the Mercedes CLA in particular?
The new CLA is praised by the jury for its balance: sharp design, aerodynamic efficiency, a high-quality interior, modern software and a clear electric vision for the future. The model positions itself as a bridge between premium and accessible, and that turns out to be exactly what the European market is looking for today.
With this win, Mercedes confirms that it is not only keeping up technologically, but also emotionally and conceptually striking the right chord again.
