title：2026 Brussels Motor Show: Top Reveals & Car of the Year Winner

content：2026 Brussels Motor Show: Key Highlights & Expert Breakdown

The 2026 Brussels Motor Show has wrapped up, and it’s packed with game-changing EV launches, performance surprises, and a historic Car of the Year win. Autocar’s on-ground team in Belgium brought exclusive insights—here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

Car of the Year 2026: Mercedes CLA Makes History

The biggest announcement was the Mercedes-Benz CLA taking home Europe’s Car of the Year 2026. Selected by 59 expert jurors from 23 countries, it’s the first Mercedes to win the award since 1974 (when the 450 SE claimed the title). The CLA beat six finalists, with Skoda Lrock in second and Kia EV4 in third. Autocar, a co-organizer and sponsor of the award since 1964, had a juror on the panel—adding credibility to this landmark win.

Standout EV Launches: Affordability & Size Take Center Stage

Kia stole the show with its new EV2, a compact electric car targeting the Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID Cross. Built in Slovakia (qualifying for the UK’s EV grant), it aims for a price below £30k (with some trims under £25k). The 4m-long EV2 offers two batteries: 42.2kWh (196mi range) and 61kWh (278mi range).

Hyundai will finally bring its Staria EV to the UK. The 5.3m-long MPV (Hyundai’s largest EV) features an 84kWh battery and 216hp motor. It’s been tweaked for refinement with better sound deadening and suspension—plus luxury seven-seat and four-row variants are on the cards.

Mazda’s CX6E (a joint venture with Chang’an) is an electric alternative to the CX60. It sports a 26-inch infotainment screen (defended by Mazda’s design boss Joe Stenuit for clarity) and a 78kWh battery with 300mi range. It’ll arrive in the UK by late 2026 as one of Mazda’s only two full EVs.

Performance Variants & Concepts: Speed Meets Innovation

Kia unveiled three GT variants: EV3, EV4, and EV5. All have dual motors—EV3/EV4 offer 288hp (0-62mph in 5.5s) with bespoke chassis tuning and virtual gear shifts. The EV5 GT adds a road preview system for adaptive suspension.

DS showed a sporty concept of its Number 4 hatchback (lower, wider, aerodynamic). While not for production, design boss Thierry Metros says it’ll inspire future performance trims.

Alfa Romeo’s Luna Rosser (from its new Bautega Fior Siri division) is a limited-edition Giulia Quadrifoglio (10 units). It generates 140kg of downforce (five times the regular model) and features a louder Akrapovic exhaust.

Zika’s 7 GT made its European debut—an electric estate rival to the VW ID7. It uses an 800V architecture (450kW fast charging) and offers up to 413mi range. Prices start at £40k in mainland Europe.

Updates & Quality of Life Features: Convenience Wins

The facelifted Peugeot 408 gets a range boost (EV version now 283mi) and plug-and-charge functionality (coming summer). This means the car automatically authorizes payment at public chargers—no cards or taps needed. The plug-in hybrid variant also gains 15hp (now 237hp) and a 3mi range increase.

content：Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediately Actionable Checklist

1. Visit Autocar.co.uk for real-time pricing updates on Kia EV2 and Zika 7 GT.
2. Follow Hyundai UK’s social media for Staria EV launch dates.
3. Sign up for the Brussels Motor Show newsletter to stay informed about 2027 previews.
4. Test Peugeot’s plug-and-charge feature at participating European chargers this summer.
5. Check Alfa Romeo’s website for Luna Rosser availability in the UK.

Advanced Resource Recommendations

• Autocar.co.uk: Trusted since 1895, it’s your go-to for in-depth motor show coverage and expert reviews.
• Brussels Motor Show Official Site: Get direct access to event schedules and exhibitor updates.
• EV Charging Apps: Use Zap-Map (UK) or ChargePoint (Europe) to find plug-and-charge compatible stations for the Peugeot 408.

content：Conclusion & Engagement

The 2026 Brussels Motor Show underscored the industry’s shift to affordable EVs and performance-focused electric variants. The Mercedes CLA’s win and Kia’s EV2 launch are standout moments that will shape the market in the coming years.

Which reveal are you most excited about? Is it the Kia EV2’s budget-friendly price or the Alfa Romeo Luna Rosser’s exclusive design? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!