The Mercedes-Benz CLA has been crowned the European Car of the Year 2026, marking a significant win for the German automaker after a long absence from the top spot. This victory is particularly notable as it is the first time a Mercedes-Benz vehicle has claimed the title since the 450SE in 1974 and the first time the brand has reached the podium since the E-Class in 1997. The award was presented at the Brussels Motor Show, where the CLA outperformed six other finalists in a competitive field.
Voting Results and Key Competitors
The CLA secured a total of 320 points, comfortably surpassing the Skoda Elroq, which finished second with 220 points. The Kia EV4 completed the top three with 208 points, while the Citroën C5 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, Dacia Bigster, and Renault 4 trailed behind. A panel of 59 jurors from 23 countries participated in the selection process, each allocated 25 points to distribute among the contenders, with a maximum of 10 points per vehicle and a requirement to vote for at least five cars.
The CLA received the highest number of first-place votes—22—underscoring its broad appeal among the jury. The Citroën C5 Aircross followed with 15 first-place votes, demonstrating strong support.
Autocar’s Perspective on the CLA and Its Rivals
The UK publication Autocar, one of the eight sponsors of the competition, awarded the CLA 5 points in its own voting. While acknowledging the car’s technical advancements and dynamic character, Autocar noted some shortcomings, including limited cabin space and perceived quality issues. Despite these reservations, the publication recognized the CLA as a boundary-pushing vehicle from a premium European brand.
In contrast, Autocar gave the Skoda Elroq 9 points, praising it as the best mainstream electric car, combining practicality, range, and value. The Elroq was described as a solid and sophisticated vehicle that offers a superior European EV experience. The Fiat Grande Panda received no points from Autocar.
The Significance of the Award
The Car of the Year award is a highly coveted honor in the automotive industry, reflecting the collective judgment of leading automotive journalists across Europe. For Mercedes-Benz, this win represents a return to prominence in the European market and a validation of its latest innovations. The CLA’s victory highlights the growing importance of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as the continued demand for premium European brands. The gap between Mercedes-Benz and its competitors has shrunk in recent years, with Skoda and Kia coming very close to winning.
The CLA’s win underscores the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where technological advancements, design, and brand reputation all play a crucial role in determining success.
