In a significant win for the German automaker, the all-new fully electric Mercedes-Benz CLA has been awarded the prestigious title of Europe's Car of the Year for 2026.
A Prestigious Win Against Stiff Competition
The official announcement was made by the European Car of the Year jury at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. The jury, comprising 60 top automotive journalists from 23 different countries, selected the Mercedes-Benz CLA from a competitive field. The vehicle triumphed over 34 other new models and was chosen from a shortlist of six finalists.
Jurors were unanimous in their praise, agreeing that the CLA's combination of striking design, advanced safety features, and impressive performance has successfully redefined expectations for what a small car can achieve.
Intelligent Tech and Impressive Performance
At the core of the new CLA's appeal is its sophisticated technology. The car runs on the proprietary MB.OS operating system and features a next-generation version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which is powered by artificial intelligence.
This system offers intuitive control via a large touchscreen and touchpad, along with responsive voice commands activated by the phrase "Hey Mercedes." Beyond simple commands, the car is noted for its learning capabilities, gradually adapting to and understanding the preferences and habits of its driver.
On the practical side, the electric CLA boasts a substantial driving range of up to 792 kilometres according to the WLTP test cycle. Its advanced 800-volt electrical architecture enables remarkably fast charging, capable of adding approximately 325 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
Strong Demand and Industry Acclaim
The model has been available to European customers since the middle of 2025, and demand has been exceptionally strong. A Mercedes-Benz insider has revealed that customer orders have far exceeded initial expectations. The order bank is reportedly already full, with deliveries scheduled well into the second half of 2026.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, expressed pride in the achievement. "The new CLA was named Car of the Year 2026 — a proud moment for Mercedes-Benz," he stated. "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 award marks a historic moment for the brand, a far cry from the single-cylinder Patent-Motorwagen that founder Carl Benz invented back in 1886, showcasing the dramatic evolution of the automobile over 140 years.
