The German company Mercedes-Benz achieved a historic milestone at the Brussels Motor Show, as its all-electric CLA model secured the European Car of the Year 2026 award, returning the three-pointed star brand to the winner’s podium for this prestigious title for the first time in over half a century.
This victory marks a strategic shift for the German industrial giant; Mercedes had not won this title since 1974 when the 450E model claimed the award.
The electric CLA succeeded in breaking this long absence, triumphing in what was described as the “most fierce” competition in the contest’s history, replacing the previous title holder, the French Renault 5 E-Tech.
The winning decision was made by a jury of 59 specialist journalists representing 23 European countries. Their selection was based on the model’s superiority in several crucial criteria, with the car receiving wide acclaim for:
Exceptional “real-world range” and energy consumption efficiency.
An “attractive dynamic character” that combines luxury with a sporty spirit.
The ideal balance between “design, safety, and smart features.”
A Purely Electric Competition
This year’s edition featured models relying entirely on clean energy. The final ranking for the top three positions was as follows:
1. Mercedes-Benz CLA (First Place).
2. Škoda Elroq (Second Place).
3. Kia EV4 (Third Place).
The jury clarified that the selection criteria do not aim to create categorical rankings but focus on awarding the prize to the car that provides the “best driver satisfaction” while considering price and contemporary environmental requirements. With this crowning achievement, Mercedes confirms its leadership in the luxury electric transition, setting a new standard for competition in the European and global markets.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand founded in 1926, though its origins trace back to the late 19th century with Karl Benz’s invention of the first practical automobile. It is globally renowned for its luxury vehicles, innovation in automotive safety, and motorsport heritage, symbolizing engineering excellence and prestige.
CLA
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the primary civilian foreign intelligence service of the United States federal government, established in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act. Its history is rooted in the World War II-era Office of Strategic Services (OSS), and it was created to coordinate the nation’s post-war intelligence activities during the early Cold War.
Brussels Motor Show
The Brussels Motor Show is an annual automotive exhibition held in Brussels, Belgium, traditionally at the Brussels Expo. First held in 1902, it is one of the oldest and most prominent motor shows in Europe, historically serving as a major platform for European manufacturers to debut new models to the public.
European Car of the Year
The European Car of the Year is an annual automotive award, first presented in 1964, that recognizes the most outstanding new car introduced to the European market each year. It is judged by a panel of motoring journalists from across Europe, with winners historically including iconic models like the Renault 16 (1966) and the Ford Focus (1999).
450E
The 450E is a prominent residential skyscraper located in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Completed in 2019, it stands 632 feet tall and is known for its distinctive, twisting glass façade. The building is part of the modern redevelopment of the area, transforming a former industrial zone into a hub for luxury living.
Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a modern, all-electric compact car, first unveiled as a concept in 2021 and launched for production in 2024. It is a direct revival of the iconic and popular Renault 5, a classic supermini originally produced from 1972 to 1996, now reimagined with contemporary electric vehicle technology.
Mercedes-AMG R63
The Mercedes-AMG R63 is a high-performance variant of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class luxury crossover, produced in very limited numbers primarily for the 2007 model year. It is historically significant as one of the fastest minivans ever built, powered by a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 engine from AMG. Its extremely low production makes it a rare and notable collector’s item in automotive culture.
Mercedes-Benz 280S
The Mercedes-Benz 280S is a luxury sedan produced from 1968 to 1972, belonging to the brand’s prestigious W108 model series. It is historically significant for popularizing the S-Class designation and was renowned for its advanced engineering, robust construction, and elegant design during its era.
Škoda Elroq
The Škoda Elroq is an upcoming all-electric compact SUV model from the Czech automaker Škoda Auto, representing the brand’s expansion into the growing electric vehicle market. It is the second model built on Volkswagen Group’s dedicated MEB platform for Škoda, following the larger Enyaq, and continues the company’s long history of automotive manufacturing that began in 1895.
Kia EV4
The Kia EV4 is an upcoming all-electric compact sedan expected to debut in 2024, representing Kia’s expansion of its dedicated EV lineup under the “EV” naming strategy. It builds upon the brand’s recent history of electric vehicle innovation, aiming to offer a balance of modern design, technology, and accessibility in the growing EV market.
