The Automotive Update: Best of the Brussels Motor Show and European Car of the Year revealed
15 January 2026
What were the standout premieres at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show? Which model won the Car of the Year award? Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker explores the show’s highlights with editor Tom Geggus in The Automotive Update podcast.
Many new models premiered at the Brussels Motor Show. Meanwhile, one of the automotive industry’s biggest accolades went to a historic carmaker. Additionally, Autovista24 explores the show’s importance for Belgium’s new-car market.
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Brussels Motor Show premieres
The Brussels Motor Show played host to a long list of model reveals from the world’s biggest carmakers. Global premieres included the Kia EV2, Opel Astra and Astra Sports tourer. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and Peugeot 408 also made their international debuts.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard was one of many European premieres. Following suit were the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, the MG S6 and the Leapmotor B03X. Numerous concept cars were also displayed at the Brussels Motor Show. This included the Citroën ELO and Hyundai Concept Three, which the carmaker confirmed would become the Ioniq 3.
A historic victory
One of the highlights from the Brussels Motor Show was the European Car of the Year award. This year’s winner was the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It was only the second time the brand had been presented with the accolade in the awards’ 62-year history.
The panel of 59 senior motoring journalists across 23 countries made their votes based on various criteria. Aspects such as design, comfort, safety and economy were considered. In the judging process, technical innovation and value for money are particularly important factors.
A shortlist of seven models is created from the year’s new arrivals. Jury members are allotted 25 points to apportion to at least five cars, with up to 10 points for each.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA came first with 320 points. The Skoda Elroq came second with 220, followed by the Kia EV4 with 208. The Citroën C5 Aircross came fourth with 207, and fifth was the Fiat Grande Panda with 200. Rounding out the finalists was the Dacia Bigster in sixth with 170, and the Renault 4 in seventh with 150.
Brussels Motor Show drives sales
The Brussels Motor Show has gained increased international attention over the last few years. However, it remains a significant sales event for Belgium’s new-car market. January and February, which are commonly lower-volume months in Europe’s other new-car markets, see high sales activity in Belgium.
During this period, leads are generated from the event, which are passed on to local dealers. Meanwhile, customers can browse models at the show without feeling the commercial pressure of having to buy a car immediately. Prospective buyers can also benefit from seasonal discounts and promotions around the motor show period.
The fleet channel holds a majority share of the Belgian new-car market. Yet, most sales that follow the event are from the private channel. In this segment, there remains a healthy appetite for petrol and diesel-powered models, as well as full and mild-hybrids. This means carmakers are heavily incentivised to show a wide range of models and powertrains at the show.
