The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been named European Car of the Year 2026, beating out six other finalists to take the top prize. Available with either petrol of fully electric powertrains, the CLA is set to make its Malaysian debut this week.
Securing 320 points from a panel of 59 jurors, the CLA held a comfortable lead over the Skoda Elroq that 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 release, the CLA received the most first places from the judges, with 22, while the Citroën C5 Aircross was the favourite of 15 journalists on 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 jurors, 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 2026 win, 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 the history of Mercedes-Benz and the 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.
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