The 2026 Brussels Motor Show brought major new car premieres and crowned the Mercedes‑Benz CLA as the European Car of the Year. The show had many new cars from big brands in Europe and around the world, and it got a lot of attention from visitors and car experts.
At the show, major car brands revealed new and updated models. One of the new cars shown for the first time to the world were the Kia EV2, Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, as well as the Mercedes‑Benz GLB and the new Peugeot 408. Electric and hybrid vehicles also got attention, including the Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 2 DM‑i, MG S6, and Leapmotor B03X. Concept cars like the Citroën ELO and Hyundai Concept Three added excitement, with some expected to influence future production models.
One of the biggest highlights of the event was the European Car of the Year award, judged by a panel of 59 senior Auto journalists from 23 countries. The judges scored cars based on several key areas, like design, comfort, safety, economy, technical innovation, and value for money.
After detailed discussion and voting, the Mercedes‑Benz CLA won the top prize with 320 points, clearly better than its competitors. The Skoda Elroq got second place with 220 points, and the Kia EV4 placed on third with 208 points. Other top contenders are Citroën C5 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, Dacia Bigster, and Renault 4.
The award was especially remarkable because it was the second time in the history of the “European Car of the Year award” that Mercedes‑Benz has won. The first time was in 1974, when the Mercedes‑Benz 450 SE/SEL won the same award.
The Brussels Motor Show is also an important event for the European car market. It remains a significant sales booster in Belgium, where January and February usually see strong interest from buyers and dealers. Many customers use the show as an opportunity to see new vehicles in person and learn about the latest technology before buying.
In addition to award winners, the show highlighted the new trends in the automotive world. Many manufacturers used the event to showcase electric and hybrid models, reflecting the shift toward cleaner, more efficient vehicles. This event highlighted the growing importance of electrification, battery range, and advanced technology in new car designs.
Visitors to the Brussels Motor Show also got an early look of concept cars and future designs. Cars like the Citroën ELO and Hyundai Concept Three are expected to shape the next generation of production models, combining innovation with sustainability.
The success of the Mercedes‑Benz CLA as European Car of the Year 2026, along with the strong competitors at the Brussels Motor Show, highlighted the ongoing evolution of the automotive industry. From electric and hybrid cars to new ideas and smart designs., the show offered a comprehensive look at the future of cars and mobility in Europe.