The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been named European Car of the Year 2026, beating six other finalists to win the top prize. The CLA is available with petrol or fully electric powertrains and will make its Malaysian debut this week.
With 320 points from a panel of 59 judges, the CLA had a comfortable lead over the Skoda Elroq which received 220 points. Other finalists include the Kia EV4 (208 points), Citroen C5 Aircross (207 points), Fiat Grande Panda (200 points), Dacia Bigster (170 points) and Renault 4 (150 points).
According to an official report, the CLA received the most first places from the jury, with 22, while the Citroën C5 Aircross was the favorite of 15 journalists in the jury. The third most popular model was the Fiat Grande Panda, with nine first places, followed by the Skoda Elroq with 8. Meanwhile, the Kia EV4 received the highest ratings from two judges, while none of them chose the Renault 4 this year.
Renault won the European Car of the Year award two years in a row prior to the CLA’s victory in 2026, with the Renault 5 E-Tech taking the crown in 2025, while the Renault Scenic E-Tech won in 2024. This is the second time in Mercedes-Benz history and its 62-year history of awards that the German brand has won the coveted trophy. The last time Mercedes-Benz won was in 1974 with the 450 SE/SEL.
Do you want to sell your car? Sell it with Auto.
#MercedesBenz #CLA #wins #European #Car #Year #ahead #Skoda #Elroq #Kia #EV4 #Renault #paultan.org