All-new Electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Crowned “Car Of The Year 2026”

All-new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA crowned “Car of the Year 2026” at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium.

With 320 points, the Mercedes-Benz CLA prevailed against 34 other new models and six finalists

The other top contenders were Škoda Elroq, Kia EV4, Citroën C5 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, Dacia Bigster and Renault 4 E-Tech.

CLA gave Mercedes-Benz its first win since the 450 SE/SEL took the “Car of the Year” crown in 1974. 

The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, which went on sale in Europe in mid-2025, has been awarded “Car of the Year 2026” by the European Car of the Year jury at a ceremony at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium.

A total of 60 leading automotive journalists from 23 european countries cast votes this year. With 320 points, the CLA prevailed against 34 other new models and six finalists to give Mercedes-Benz its first win since the 450 SE/SEL took the “Car of the Year” crown in 1974.

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The other top contenders were Škoda Elroq (220 points), Kia EV4 (208 points), Citroën C5 Aircross (207 points), Fiat Grande Panda (200 points), Dacia Bigster (170 points) and Renault 4 E-Tech (150 points).

“The new CLA was named Car of the Year 2026 — a proud moment for Mercedes‑Benz,” said Ola Källenius, the Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.

“Jurors from across Europe have confirmed what our customers have been telling us : the CLA is a game-changer, delivering outstanding efficiency and effortless intelligence.”

The CLA is offered with a 58 kWh LFP battery-pack, allowing the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology to travel up to 792 kilometres (492 miles) before it runs out of juice. Its 800V technology allows it to add up to 325km (202 miles) of range after 10 minutes charge.

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