Image source: Mercedes-Benz Media
The wait is officially over. For the first time since the legendary 450 SE took the title in 1974, Mercedes-Benz has reclaimed the throne as the 2026 European Car of the Year. In a high-stakes vote held at the Brussels International Motor Show, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA emerged as the definitive winner, securing 320 points and comfortably outpacing competitors like the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV4.+1
For automotive professionals, the CLA’s victory signals a massive shift in how we define “entry-level” luxury. It wasn’t just the sleek aesthetics that won over the 59-member jury; it was the technical substance. The CLA with EQ Technology is pushing the boundaries of efficiency, offering a real-world range of nearly 500 miles (484 miles WLTP) on an 85kWh battery. For those of us tracking the EV market, this isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a direct challenge to the Tesla Model 3’s dominance in range and charging infrastructure.
Casual readers will appreciate that the CLA isn’t just a tech showcase; it’s designed to be a “real-world” car. While the industry is leaning heavily into 100% electric models—all seven finalists this year featured electrification—Mercedes-Benz is keeping options open by offering the CLA with both full-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It manages to feel premium without being intimidating, proving that the future of the “hot sedan” is alive and well, even as SUVs continue to flood the market.
Image source: Mercedes-Benz Media
A Tale of Two Eras: The 2026 CLA vs. The 1974 450 SE
It is poetic that Mercedes-Benz broke its half-century dry spell with a car that mirrors the spirit of its last winner. The 1974 winner, the 450 SE (W116), was a mechanical masterpiece that introduced the world to the modern S-Class identity, prioritizing safety and road presence above all else. Today’s CLA represents that same leap, but through a digital lens. While the 450 SE relied on heavy-duty engineering and a thirsty V8 to define luxury, the 2026 CLA uses silicon and software, featuring Level 4 autonomous capabilities already being piloted in cities like Dubai. Both cars represent a “best or nothing” philosophy, but while the 1974 model conquered the road with iron, the 2026 model does it with intelligence.
