Peter Lyon
January 10, 2026
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA has been awarded “Car of the Year 2026” by the European Car of the Year jury at a ceremony at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. Judges praised the CLA’s design, advanced safety, and dynamic performance, stressing what’s possible in its segment. One judge said that “it is the smartest, most flexible Mercedes-Benz yet delivered, and it’s ready to transform every journey into something extraordinary.”
The new CLA is a game-changer, setting new benchmarks in intelligence, efficiency and design. With its groundbreaking MB.OS operating system and next-generation MBUX powered by AI, the new CLA delivers an effortless, intuitive driving experience. Its electric powertrain boasts range of up to 792 kilometres – lowering range anxiety levels. And when customers do eventually need to charge, its 800V technology can add up to 325km of range in just 10 minutes.
On sale in Europe since mid-2025, and arriving in the USA and many other countries soon, the CLA has already proved successful. Electrified by its recognition from international media, customer orders exceed our expectations and our order bank is already filled until well into the second half of 2026. At the start of a jubilee year celebrating 140 years of innovation since Carl Benz invented the automobile in 1886, this award is the first highlight in what will be a full calendar of events.
“The new CLA was named Car of the Year 2026 — a proud moment for Mercedes‑Benz. 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,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.
With low consumption figures and an impressive range for any class of car, CLA raises everyday electric mobility to a new level. With a range of up to 792 kilometres according to WLTP (CLA 250+ with EQ Technology, combined energy consumption: 14.1–12.2 kWh/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A), this 200 kW model can travel, for example, from Berlin to Brussels, without stopping to charge.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
You could call the CLA the “one-litre car” for the electric era. This international recognition by 60 leading automotive journalists from 23 countries underscores the innovative strength of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which prevailed against 34 other new models and six finalists with 320 points.
