In the mid-sized family vehicle segment, the line between ‘car’ and ‘SUV’ has become so blurred that it’s effectively pointless. So, as we did last year, we’ve grouped them together.
Instead, we separated medium cars into mainstream and premium, as that tends to better reflect how real-world car buyers look for their next vehicle. The badge and feature list tend to be more important than the body style, although customers are overwhelmingly choosing SUV-style cars instead of conventional hatchback/saloon/estate models – even if they’re no more practical and no more spacious (and have zero off-roading capabilities).
The premium category is inevitably smaller than the mainstream category, and there was inevitably debate about where to draw the line between mainstream and premium. In the end, the eligible cars this year were:
Our awards recognise both the best new models launched over the last 12 months and the best overall cars in each category – because newest doesn’t always mean best.
Best new premium medium car: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
Built on a brand-new electric platform, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ launches the world’s oldest car company into an all-new generation of electric power, and it’s a winner.
The CLA EQ offers everything a compact Mercedes saloon should have – class-leading technology, refinement, comfort and desirability – and makes other cars in this segment look a bit old-hat. It puts any questions about battery range firmly to rest, and it offers a genuinely luxurious experience for driver and passengers.
The electric car industry is evolving rapidly, and the CLA shows that Mercedes-Benz plans to remain at the forefront of this new automotive landscape for the long term.
While several outlets mark the car down for its rather tight rear legroom and its subdued driving character, the saloon’s powertrain technology and serene driving experience make it a new premium benchmark for the rest of the industry to chase.
Class champions
Although the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is the top-rated premium medium car launched in the last 12 months, that doesn’t mean it immediately moves to the top of the pile. As of December 2025, another model still carries a higher Expert Rating score.
Class champion, electric: Tesla Model 3
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ might be a great car, but it’s not the outright best electric car in this category. Instead, it’s the updated Tesla Model 3 saloon that scores top marks among premium medium cars on our Expert Rating Index.
Tesla has weathered a number of controversies over the last year, but what’s beyond doubt is that the company continues to refine and improve its electric cars to keep them at the top of the pile. The Model 3 edges its crossover sibling, the Model Y, but a couple of points, but both are excellent choices.
Class champion, petrol/diesel/hybrid: Audi A5
The all-new Audi A5 didn’t score highly enough to win our Best Premium Medium Car 2026 award, but it is now the highest-scoring petrol/diesel/hybrid car in this segment.
If you’re confused about the name, this car replaces the previous Audi A4, rather than the previous A5 models. It’s part of a confusing and now-abandoned naming plan to separate fossil-fuel Audis from electric ones. Anyway, the new A5 builds on the strengths of the old A4 with a comfortable and stylish interior, and Audi’s usual high standards of fit and finish.
The Car Expert Awards 2026 – all the category winners
