The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA has won the 63rd European Car of the Year award, announced at Brussels motor show today. 

The European Car of the Year jury announced its shortlist of seven cars at the end of 2025, which included the Citroen e-C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes CLA, Renault 4 and Skoda Elroq. 

​The shortlist is chosen by a jury of 59 journalists from 23 countries, who all vote to decide which is overall Car of the Year. The Mercedes CLA took the overall win by a significant points lead, with the Citroen e-C5 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda and Skoda Elroq also doing well in the points scoring. 

Our very own Vicky Parrott hosted the award presentation at the Brussels motor show, and is a UK juror for the European Car of the Year. "I'm so happy for the Mercedes to win the award this year. In the time I've spent with it, it's the real-world range that really impressed. I can't think of many cars that can better the Tesla Model 3 for efficiency, but this is one of them. And it's just lovely to drive, too, even on our patched up UK roads. The value, the dynamics, the tech and the efficiency, the CLA has got it all." 

It's a very worthy winner of the award, which we've noted for its impressive real world efficiency and high tech features. The CLA with EQ Technology will initially come to the UK with an 85kWh battery and WLTP range of up to 484 miles, courtesy of the 250+ model. 

The CLA 350+ will bring an all-wheel drive, dual motor variant later this year, and there's also likely to be a shorter range variant, making the Mercedes a comprehensive rival to the Tesla Model 3. You'll also be able to get the CLA with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which we've yet to drive but look forward to having a go in later in 2026. 

The Mercedes CLA with EQ Technology has won the 2026 European Car of the Year award