The Brussels Motor Show has not merely returned to prominence in 2026 — it has been reborn. Long considered a smaller, regional event positioned behind Geneva, Paris, Munich and Frankfurt, this year’s edition has surged into the top tier of European automotive expos. The shift is no accident. With the European Car of the Year (COTY) award ceremony relocating from Geneva to Brussels for the first time, the Belgian capital has instantaneously gained the gravitas and global attention once tied to Switzerland’s now-defunct motor show.
Suddenly, Brussels is where European automotive narratives are crystallised: where brands choose to make bold statements about electrification, technology, affordability and design. Nowhere was that clearer than in the case of the XPENG P7+, which made its European premiere and immediately became a defining debut of the 2026 event.
This year’s show was densely packed with electric-vehicle announcements, world premieres, upgraded line-ups, and first public reveals of several high-interest models — notably Tesla’s new Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard. Korean, Chinese, European and Japanese OEMs all arrived with substantial product news, turning Brussels into a battleground of strategic positioning in Europe’s increasingly competitive EV market.
XPENG P7+: Future-Ready Intelligence and European-Optimised Versatility
XPENG’s P7+ was already one of the headline debuts of the Brussels Motor Show, but its full European press briefing reveals just how central the fastback is to the brand’s long-term continental strategy. Described as an “AI-defined” electric vehicle, the P7+ marks XPENG’s shift from horsepower-focused development to what it calls “brainpower mobility”.
At the heart of the car is XPENG’s proprietary Turing chip, delivering up to 750 tera operations per second (TOPS) — more than double the original Chinese-market P7+. This computational headroom supports enhanced perception, smoother sensor fusion and more advanced driver assistance functions, including automated lane changes, adaptive cruising and autonomous parking. With a platform built for continuous OTA updates, XPENG says the P7+’s capabilities will expand throughout its lifecycle.
The digital interface mirrors this AI-first approach: a 15.6-inch central display, 8.8-inch instrument cluster and wide head-up display present layered information, while an AI-driven interactive system powers in-car control and driver assistance.
Charging performance is equally ambitious. The P7+ uses XPENG’s 800V LFP 5C battery platform (61.7 kWh or 74.9 kWh) and can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes on high-power infrastructure. Selected versions support up to 446 kW DC charging, with 11 kW AC charging standard. XPENG frames this as a durability-focused solution designed to maintain long-term battery performance.
Dimensionally, the P7+ is a large, European-oriented fastback — 5,071 mm long with a 3,000 mm wheelbase — offering 573 litres of boot space, or 1,931 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin leans toward the executive segment with perforated Nappa leather, a cashmere-like microfibre headliner and extensive soundproofing, including 62 acoustic treatment points and 36 sound-absorbing elements.
Chassis tuning reflects XPENG’s European ambitions. A double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension are paired with a 2,000 MPa ultra-high-strength safety cage and 14 active safety systems. Outputs span from 245 PS in the RWD Standard Range to 503 PS in the AWD Performance, with towing capability up to 1,500 kg.
Crucially, the P7+ is assembled in Europe — at Magna Steyr in Austria — becoming XPENG’s third locally produced model. Deliveries start in April 2026 across 25 European markets, with indicative pricing from €43,990 for the RWD Standard Range in southern Europe.
With rapidly expanding operations, including a new German R&D centre, the P7+ underscores XPENG’s intention to become a major AI-driven EV contender in Europe. It is expected to be launched in the UK later in 2026, joining the XPENG G6.
European Car of the Year Moves to Brussels – and the Mercedes-Benz CLA Takes the Crown
One of the biggest structural changes to this year’s show was the relocation of the European Car of the Year (COTY) ceremony from Geneva to Brussels. It is a symbolic shift, but one with far-reaching implications: the winner is announced at the very moment Europe’s automotive community is gathered, ensuring immediate media impact and stronger show relevance.
The 2026 Car of the Year title went to the all-new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA — a sleek, efficient and technologically advanced compact saloon that Mercedes-Benz has called the “smartest, most flexible” model it has ever built.
The CLA’s victory was emphatic: 320 points from the jury, beating 34 new models and six finalists. Its highlight is an extraordinary WLTP range of up to 792 km for the CLA 250+ EQ Technology variant, enabled by highly efficient power electronics and 800V charging architecture capable of adding as much as 325 km of range in ten minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contributes to what Mercedes-Benz describes as “the one-litre car for the electric era” — a reference to ultra-efficient combustion prototypes of previous decades.
The new CLA also debuts MB.OS, Mercedes’ next-generation operating system powered by AI, promising an unusually intuitive and deeply integrated cabin experience.
Brussels’ elevation as a European showcase is underscored by the fact that the continent’s most prestigious automotive award is now effectively part of the show’s opening narrative — driving both attendance and manufacturer presence.
Tesla Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard: First Public Reveal
Though Tesla did not formally launch new models at Brussels, the company used the show as the first public display of two significant additions to its European line-up: the Model 3 Standard and the Model Y Standard.
Both models were announced earlier in the week, with the Model 3 Standard positioned as Tesla’s most affordable vehicle in the UK at £37,990. Importantly, the long-running Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive variant has been retired and replaced with this new Standard version.
The Model 3 Standard has undergone UK-specific tuning — most notably a reduction of top speed to 110 mph and slight adjustments to acceleration (0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds) — to achieve Tesla’s lowest insurance group rating to date (group 32). Tesla clearly views insurance accessibility as a key barrier in the British EV market and has engineered this variant to remove some of that friction.
Despite its status as the entry model, the Standard retains a WLTP range of 332 miles, a figure that exceeds many similarly priced or even pricier electric saloons. Its consumption figure — 20.9 kWh/100 miles (4.8 miles per kWh) — also positions it as one of the most efficient cars in its class.
The Model Y Standard, meanwhile, arrives as Tesla’s most affordable SUV. Priced at £41,990, it replaces the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive and targets a wider family audience. Its WLTP range of 314 miles and efficiency of 22.2 kWh/100 miles (4.5 miles per kWh) make it Tesla’s most efficient Model Y yet. Like the Model 3 Standard, it too benefits from UK-specific tuning for insurance and operational cost optimisation.
Tesla’s presence at Brussels was more muted than some of its rivals, but the public debut of these two highly anticipated, cost-optimised models generated heavy footfall. In a market where Tesla’s biggest challenge is increasingly price competition, not brand awareness, the Standard variants provide a strategic counter move — prioritising affordability while retaining software-driven advantages like OTA updates, Autopilot and the Tesla app ecosystem.
Kia Arrives in Force: EV3 GT, EV4 GT, EV5 GT and the World Premiere of the EV2
Kia delivered one of the show’s most extensive — and aggressive — EV offensives. In Brussels, the brand revealed three new high-performance GT variants (EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT) and premiered its all-new B-segment electric SUV, the EV2.
Kia’s GT models have historically represented performance and dynamism, beginning with the Ceed GT and later the Stinger. Now, as the brand deepens its EV portfolio, Brussels provided the stage for Kia to define what “GT” means in a fully electric context.
Kia EV3 GT and EV4 GT: Two Body Styles, One Electric Performance DNA
Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, the EV3 GT (a compact SUV) and EV4 GT (a sporty hatchback/fastback) share an 81.4 kWh battery and a 215 kW dual-motor AWD powertrain. Both models offer 0–100 km/h acceleration in roughly 5.6–5.7 seconds, positioning them between mainstream EVs and the high-end performance segment.
Kia has invested heavily in software-led driving dynamics. The GT models include Virtual Gear Shift—a system that adds a “tactile” sensation during acceleration—and active digital sound design, giving drivers both auditory and feedback simulation that mimics high-performance combustion drivetrains.
The EV3 GT includes semi-bucket seats, neon cabin accents and ambient lighting linked to GT driving modes. The EV4 GT, meanwhile, leans more heavily into sporty dynamics with a lower, lighter profile and more agile chassis tuning. Both aim to make electric performance accessible and emotionally engaging without compromising range or everyday usability.
Kia EV5 GT: Performance Elevated for the C-SUV Segment
The EV5 GT applies the same principles to a larger, family-oriented SUV. Its 225 kW dual-motor AWD system, electronically controlled suspension with road preview, and GT-specific exterior design aim to give customers a crossover that does not sacrifice sportiness. With 0–100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, it sits just below the EV6 GT in Kia’s performance hierarchy.
Kia EV2: The Most Accessible Kia EV Yet
Perhaps even more strategically important was the world premiere of the EV2 — a new B-segment SUV designed to open Kia’s EV line-up to a much broader audience.
With battery options of 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh, the EV2 targets WLTP ranges of up to 317 km and 448 km respectively. Its compact footprint (just over 4 metres long) conceals an impressive 403 litres of boot space in its four-seat variant and a sliding/reclining rear-seat system that dramatically improves interior usability.
In terms of technology, the EV2 breaks segment norms by offering Kia’s triple-screen ccNC infotainment system (12.3-inch cluster, 5.3-inch climate screen, 12.3-inch central display), OTA updates and advanced driver assistance usually found in larger models.
Built in Slovakia, the EV2 will be one of the few European-manufactured EVs available at accessible pricing — an advantage that could resonate strongly with consumers increasingly attuned to shipping costs, tariffs and sustainability of production.
Kia’s multi-model presence at Brussels was one of the strongest of any brand, and positioned it as a leader in both premium-leaning performance EVs and the cost-conscious B-segment that will be crucial for mainstream adoption.
Mazda CX-6e: A Bold New Entrant into the Mid-Size Electric SUV Market
Mazda used Brussels to unveil the all-new CX-6e, a mid-size electric SUV designed around the brand’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy — aiming to deliver a strong sense of connection between car and driver.
Powered by a 78 kWh LFP battery, the CX-6e offers 258 PS to the rear wheels, 0–62 mph in 7.9 seconds, a WLTP range of up to 300 miles (484 km in EU data), and 195 kW DC fast-charging enabling 10–80% in 24 minutes.
Mazda’s approach emphasises a balance of design artistry, interior quality and driving dynamics refined by its European R&D centre. The 26-inch sweeping touchscreen — one of the widest displays in any SUV — anchors a cabin built around Japanese concepts of space, simplicity and comfort. Gesture controls, multilingual voice recognition, Bluetooth headrest speakers and an expansive panoramic sunroof highlight Mazda’s push to bring premium-style innovation into a more accessible EV.
Mazda’s design team also introduced a new “Soulful Futuristic Modern” aesthetic that blends sculptural curves with technical precision. The Nightfall Violet exterior colour — a deep purple that shifts in tone depending on light — is the standout finish.
Mazda’s European ambitions for the CX-6e are clear: this model is designed not as a niche EV experiment but as a competitive, mainstream contender in a crucial segment where loyalty is often shaped by perceived driving quality — not just range or price.
Zeekr 7GT: A European-Tuned Electric GT for Performance Enthusiasts
Zeekr — the premium EV brand under Geely — brought the new 7GT to Brussels for its European debut. The model blends a sporting gran-turismo philosophy with everyday usability.
The 7GT offers a choice of 75 kWh or 100 kWh batteries, ultra-fast charging (10–80% in as little as 13 minutes), and performance credentials including up to 3.3 seconds 0–100 km/h acceleration and a 210 km/h top speed.
A strong focus on driver engagement defines the 7GT. It introduces an expansive 35.5-inch AR head-up display paired with a 13-inch instrument cluster, while its chassis and steering tuning were completed in Europe. Suspension architecture includes double-wishbone and five-link systems designed to deliver both agility and comfort.
Zeekr is also leaning into lifestyle flexibility: five driving modes, towing capability, camping features, roof-rack compatibility and a ski-hatch all highlight the brand’s aim to appeal to active buyers.
At a starting price of €45,990, the 7GT challenges both established European brands and incoming Chinese competitors on price-to-performance ratio — something Zeekr is signalling will be a recurring theme as it expands across the continent. The Zeekr brand is set to arrive in the UK in 2027.
A Show That Signals Europe’s New Automotive Order
Brussels 2026 was more than a motor show — it was a declaration. It showcased how EV market dynamics are evolving, how global manufacturers are increasingly viewing Europe as a battleground for innovation, and how the continent’s consumers are demanding a new balance of technology, efficiency, affordability and driving enjoyment.
Key themes emerged clearly:
1. Europe is now the centre of global EV competitiveness.
With Chinese, Korean, Japanese and European brands all presenting major launches, Brussels has quickly become a stage where global strategies collide.
2. Charging speed and efficiency are becoming more important than raw range.
XPENG P7+ (12-minute 10–80%), Zeekr 7GT (13-minute 10–80%), Mercedes CLA (800V, 10-minute mega-charging) demonstrate where the market is headed.
3. Affordability is critical for 2026 and beyond.
Tesla’s Standard models, Kia’s EV2, and Mazda’s LFP-based CX-6e show that cost-optimisation — whether through battery chemistry, insurance categories, or manufacturing strategy — is now essential.
4. Software and user experience have become decisive purchasing factors.
Whether MB.OS, XPENG’s Turing AI, Kia’s GT drive-mode ecosystem, or Mazda’s ultra-wide touchscreen interface, the competition is shifting towards digital experience as much as mechanical engineering.
5. Europe’s traditional awards and institutions are reshaping the show landscape.
The presence of the COTY award in Brussels has catalysed a shift that may permanently reposition the show as Europe’s primary new-car showcase.
With the XPENG P7+ leading the headlines, Tesla drawing crowds with its first public reveal of two key models, and Kia, Mazda and Zeekr launching ambitious EVs across all price points, this year’s Brussels Motor Show set a new benchmark.
If 2026 is the year the EV market becomes truly mainstream in Europe, Brussels was the place where that story began. Below find some other selected EV highlights from the show.
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