Mercedes-Benz CLA named Car of the Year and aces safety tests: Is this the best EV launching in Australia in 2026?
Ahead of its arrival in Australia, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has been crowned European Car of the Year.
Marking the fifth time an EV has been voted Europe’s best new car, the Mercedes CLA is the third electric car in a row to take home the prestigious gong, following on from last year’s Renault 5 E-Tech and the Scenic E-Tech in 2024.
Timed to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026, the new CLA scored a total of 320 points, delivering the small four-door a comfortable victory over the Skoda Elroq (220 points) and the Kia EV4 (208 points).
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In fourth was the Citroen C5 Aircross, sold in Europe, that came close to a podium finish with 207 points.
The Fiat Grande Panda (200 points) came fifth, the Dacia Bigster (170 points) sixh and the Renault 4, that’s closely related to last year’s winning R5, scored 150 points to finish seventh.
This year’s Europe’s Car of the Year was judged by 59 jury members from 23 countries.
The CLA was voted the top choice by 22 jury members, with 15 judges placing the C5 Aircross as their favourite car to be launched in 2026.
Available in both four-door sedan and Shooting Brake wagon body styles, the new Mercedes is based on the German brand’s latest MMA platform and is offered with both all-electric and mild-hybrid combustion power.
Just days after taking home the prestigious gong, crash test safety body Euro NCAP announced that the all-electric CLA was the safest car it tested in 2025.
Reported to deliver a very high level of protection of adult occupants, children and vulnerable road users, Euro NCAP awarded the CLA its Best Performer accolade.
Receiving 94 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 93 per cent for pedestrian impact and an 85 per cent score for its safety assist tech, the CLA aced its crash testing.
But it was still called out for offering marginal chest protection in side pole impact.
EVs continued to be rated as some of the safest cars money can buy, with the Mini Cooper E judged by EuroNCAP to offer the safest City and Supermini in its class.
The Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y offer the most protection in the Large Family Car and Small SUV, the Polestar 3 the best Executive Car and the Smart #5 the best Large SUV.
