What this selection reveals about European market expectations
This shortlist reflects a number of underlying trends.
First of all, the rise of electric cars in 2026 does not, for the moment, mean the abandonment of combustion and hybrid powertrains.
Secondly, the contenders for the title of best electric SUV are no longer necessarily premium models.
The Skoda Elroq and Dacia Bigster also prove that accessibility is becoming a decisive criterion.
Finally, the presence of two retro-modern models, the Renault 4 and the Fiat Grande Panda, confirms that emotion and design are as important as technical performance alone.
The 7 finalists for Car of the Year 2026 deciphered
Citroën C5 Aircross: the strengths that justify its nomination
- Advanced Comfort suspension A Citroën signature, it offers exceptional driving comfort.
- Exemplary modularity Available in 5- or 7-seat configurations, it meets every need.
- A refreshed design With its new front end, the C5 Aircross is more modern than ever, while retaining its recognisable identity.
- The price/equipment ratio : Central touch-screen, driving aids, dual-zone climate control... The basics are there from the very start of the range.
Dacia Bigster: the strengths that justify its nomination
- Unbeatable price With an entry price of less than €25,000, the Bigster remains true to Dacia's DNA.
- An innovative hybrid engine Dacia inaugurates a new technology that offers reduced fuel consumption as well as enhanced driving pleasure.
- Record habitability Its 702-litre boot and generous 2.70m wheelbase make it a serious rival to more expensive models.
- An assertive design Image cheap of the early days is a distant memory. The Bigster adopts robust lines, a modern LED light signature and high-quality plastics. Its brand positioning is now based on essentials rather than discounting.
- A full range of equipment With a 10.1-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control and parking assistance, the Bigster offers a range of equipment as standard that is sometimes available as an option on its rivals.
Fiat Grande Panda: the strengths that justify its appointment
- An assertive neo-retro design With square lines reminiscent of the original Panda (1980), generous bay windows and a pixelated light signature, Fiat cultivates nostalgia while displaying a clear modernity.
- Electrical accessibility With a starting price of under €24,000, it aims to democratise zero-emission mobility.
- Surprisingly spacious Despite its compact dimensions, it offers a generous and versatile interior space.
- Assumed simplicity No superfluous gadgets, just robust materials and the reliability you'd expect.
Kia EV4: the strengths that justify its nomination
- A autonomy exceptional with a WLTP range of 625 km, it has one of the best ranges in the electric saloon segment.
- Optimised recharging Intelligent management of the charging curve, allowing charging sessions of around 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80%.
- On-board technologies with a dual panoramic screen, technologies V2L/V2G and Harman Kardon audio system (optional).
- A reassuring guarantee 7 years or 150,000 km, a major advantage for company fleets that makes the investment more secure.
Mercedes-Benz CLA (250+ version): the strengths that justify its appointment
- Record range of 792 km This is the longest WLTP range in the electric saloon segment.
- Ultra-fast 800V recharging the first electric Mercedes to accept power ratings of up to 320 kW for ultra-fast recharging.
- Exceptional energy efficiency with fuel consumption of just 12.2 kWh/100 km, one of the best on the market.
- Cutting-edge technology With MB.OS (the new Mercedes operating system), 4th generation MBUX, three screens, an AI voice assistant...
Renault 4 E-Tech): the strengths that justify his appointment
- A successful neo-retro design The R4 modernises the iconic 4L of the 60s while retaining its lines. It's an exercise in style that appeals to nostalgic fans and younger generations alike.
- Two levels of autonomy Urban Autonomy" version (battery 40 kWh battery, 308 km WLTP, 120 bhp) or "Autonomie confort" (52 kWh battery, 409 km WLTP, 150 bhp).
- V2G technology Like the Kia EV4, the R4 incorporates V2G technology. This is a real opportunity for businesses equipped with two-way kiosks to optimise their rates.
- Generous equipment OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google, 10.25″ central touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility...
Skoda Elroq: the strengths that justify its appointment
- Excellent value for money The Elroq is one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market, with a comprehensive range of standard equipment.
- Record habitability Its generous 2.77 m wheelbase offers rear legroom that outstrips most of its rivals. Its 470-litre boot rivals some SUVs in the higher segment.
- Controlled consumption between 15.3 and 16.4 kWh/100 km, depending on version.
- Simply clever" solutions These include an integrated ice scraper in the tailgate, a storage net under the rear parcel shelf for the charging cable, and optional ventilated and massaging electric seats...
The 7 finalists at a glance
| MODÈLE | POSITIONNEMENT | ÉNERGIES | PRIX (à partir de) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Citroën C5 Aircross
|
Compact SUV
|
Petrol; Hybrid; Electric
|
40 2900 €
|
|
Dacia Bigster
|
Family SUV
|
Petrol; Gas; Hybrid
|
24,990 (hybrid version)
|
|
Fiat Grande Panda
|
City
|
Petrol; Electric
|
24 900 €
|
|
Kia EV4
|
Compact electric saloon
|
Electric
|
38 290 €
|
|
Mercedes-Benz CLA
|
City
|
Diesel, Petrol, Hybrid, Electric
|
53 950 €
|
|
Renault 4 E-Tech
|
Compact SUV
|
Electric
|
29 990 €
|
|
Skoda Elroq
|
SUV
|
Electric
|
36 620 €
|
What this selection reveals about the electric vehicle market in 2026
Electrification gradually taking hold
The ranking of the best electric cars is expanding. Alongside premium models, more accessible versions are emerging. What's more, with three electric 100% models out of the seven, the electrification of the European market is making progress, even if it remains limited. The electric cars of 2026 represent a more than credible alternative, without being the only solution. It's a selection that reflects the reality of the market: electric cars are winning over customers, but hybrids and internal combustion engines are still in the limelight, despite the fact that they are not the only vehicles on the market. the European deadline of 2035 for the end of thermal power generation.
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The return of reinvented icons
The appointment of the Renault 4 E-Tech and the Fiat Grande Panda illustrates a fundamental trend: neo-retro design is seductive. In a standardised car market, these models cultivate nostalgia while displaying a technical modernity that creates emotion.
This approach also addresses a psychological issue. As electrification disrupts motorists' points of reference, reinterpreting icons can reassure by creating a bridge between past and future.
Accessibility at the heart of the issues
The presence of models costing less than €25,000 marks a turning point. The best electric car is no longer necessarily the most expensive.
This accessibility also meets a growing demand from professionals. Fleet managers are looking to electrify without exceeding their budget. Some of these models offer a TCO more than competitive with combustion engines. The savings on fuel, maintenance and tax more than offset the potential extra cost of ownership.
Our 4 electrical favourites among the finalists
Among the seven finalists, four models in particular caught the eye of Beev's experts in professional fleets.
Fiat Grande Panda: the affordable city car that democratises electric power
The electric Fiat Grande Panda embodies the democratisation of zero-emission mobility, a value that Beev holds dear. With a starting price of under €25,000, it makes electric mobility accessible to small businesses and professionals working in the field. Its compact size, combined with surprising interior space, makes it the ideal all-round city car. It proves that electrifying your fleet of vehicles doesn't require huge budgets.
Professional assets:
- Unbeatable TCO
- Urban handling
- Sufficient range for urban use
- Robustness and simplicity
Discover our detailed sheet of the Fiat Grande Panda
Mercedes CLA: the electric premium that revolutionises standards
The Mercedes CLA electric marks a major technological turning point. With its 792 km WLTP range on the CLA 250+ version and ultra-fast charging, it places Mercedes at the pinnacle of electric innovation. It is one of the best electric SUVs for long-distance commercial drivers, thanks to its record range and ultra-fast charging.
Professional assets:
- Enhanced brand image
- Record autonomy
- Exceptional energy efficiency
- Revolutionary ultra-fast recharge
- On-board technologies
- Competitive TCO
Discover our Full specifications of the Mercedes CLA 250+
Renault 4 E-Tech: the versatile compact that combines nostalgia and modernity
The Renault 4 E-Tech succeeds in the difficult challenge of mixed use: compact enough for the city and autonomous enough for long-distance journeys. Its bold neo-retro design, exemplary practicality and French DNA make it the preferred choice of SMEs promoting French industry. Pragmatic, it represents the best compromise between price, autonomy and practicality.
Professional assets:
- Exemplary modularity
- Versatile autonomy
- Rewarding French DNA
- V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology
- Generous equipment
Discover our Renault 4 E-Tech detailed sheet
Skoda Elroq: the affordable electric SUV 100%
The Skoda Elroq has plenty of space, generous equipment and range for a contained price. It offers one of the best equipment/price/range ratios on the market for professional fleets looking for versatility and controlled costs. For Beev, it ticks all the boxes for SMEs and SMBs with mixed fleets.
Professional assets:
- Exceptional load volume
- Proven Skoda robustness
- Reassuring Volkswagen Group network
- Four versions to suit all needs
- Optimised TCO
Discover our Full details of the Skoda Elroq 60
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of the European Car of the Year award reveals the profound changes taking place in the automotive industry. More than just a technical ranking, this top 7 is a precise barometer of the changes underway. The models embody different approaches to zero-emission mobility. Some aim for accessibility, others focus on emotion, and still others push back the technical limits.
This diversity proves that electric vehicles are maturing, with a growing range to suit all uses and budgets. It also responds to the major challenge of the decade: to make low-carbon mobility accessible to as many people as possible, in spite of the subsidies such as the tax credit are about to come to an end.
