Mercedes-Benz CLA Crowned Europe's Car of the Year After 52-Year Hiatus

Daily Car

13/01/2026

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has officially clinched the prestigious European Car of the Year award for 2026, marking a significant return for the German automaker to the top of European automotive accolades. This victory, the first for Mercedes-Benz in over five decades, highlights the brand's innovative approach to electrification and design in its latest model.

Key Takeaways

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA secured the 2026 European Car of the Year title.
This is Mercedes-Benz's first win since the 450 SE/SEL in 1974.
The CLA achieved a substantial points lead over its competitors.
The award underscores the growing importance of electrification in the automotive industry.

A Resounding Victory

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, which was recently redesigned and introduced as a fully electric model with hybrid options also available, garnered an impressive 320 points from a jury of 59 automotive journalists across 23 European countries. This commanding performance placed it well ahead of other strong contenders in a field dominated by electrified vehicles.

The Competition

The CLA's closest rivals included the Skoda Elroq, which secured 220 points, followed by the Kia EV4 with 208 points. Other finalists included the Citroen C5 Aircross (207 points), Fiat Grande Panda (200 points), Dacia Bigster (170 points), and the Renault 4 (150 points). The CLA's dominance was further emphasized by receiving first-place votes from 22 judges, significantly outscoring the Citroen C5 Aircross, which topped 15 ballots.

Electrifying Performance

Models such as the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic, equipped with EQ Technology, feature an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture. The base CLA 250+ boasts an impressive European range of 492 miles (792 km), while the CLA 350 offers a range of 479 miles (771 km). These figures demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's advancements in EV technology.

A Historic Achievement

This marks only the second time in the 62-year history of the European Car of the Year award that a Mercedes-Benz vehicle has claimed the top prize. The previous win was in 1974 with the Mercedes-Benz 450 SE/SEL. The CLA's success also comes shortly after being named a finalist for the 2026 World Car of the Year award, indicating a strong showing across major automotive accolades.

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