The prestigious Danish “Car of the Year 2026” award has a double winner: two small electric cars: Renault 5 E‑Tech and Nissan Micra. According to Bilbasen, the two models crossed the finish line neck and neck before a strong contender, the premium EV Mercedes‑Benz CLA EQ Tech.
Final Score: A Tie — By Design
In the final jury tally, both Renault 5 E‑Tech and Nissan Micra scored 141 points, just 8 points ahead of CLA EQ Tech which totaled 133. Interestingly, Renault also managed to grab bronze with another EV, Renault 4 E‑Tech, which scored 111 points, putting it clearly third. If you follow this page, you might remember that I mentioned both Renaults and the Nissan when covering the best EVs by range under €30,000.“
Anyway, below is the full breakdown of the top-placings:
| Rank | Model | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault 5 E‑Tech / Nissan Micra | 141 |
| 2 | Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ Tech | 133 |
| 3 | Renault 4 E‑Tech | 111 |
| 4 | Toyota C‑HR+ | 78 |
| 5 | Kia EV4 | 75 |
| 6 | Zeekr 7X | 70 |
| 7 | Firefly | 22 |
Why the Two “Twins” Won
Although two distinct nameplates, Renault 5 E‑Tech and Nissan Micra are technically near-identical: same platform, powertrain and mostly the same specs, which led the jury to treat them as one contender. Their shared strengths: compact size, electric driveline, affordability and suitability for everyday urban and suburban use.
At a time when Danish buyers increasingly prefer electric cars, the victory of two affordable EVs (underdog models compared to pricier rivals) sends a strong message about what matters most: practicality, value and usability.
It’s also noteworthy that this marks a comeback for Renault in Denmark: for the first time since 1990 the brand wins the Car of the Year, and this time with two models in the top positions.
What This Means for the EV Market
The results reflect how the market is shifting: EVs are no longer a premium niche, but a mainstream choice. By awarding the title to two small, accessible electric cars, the jury acknowledges that affordable EVs can be practical, desirable, and ready for everyday life.
For consumers: these two models show that small EVs can be a smart, budget‑friendly entry into electrified driving. For other brands: it underlines the importance of offering well-priced, efficient EV alternatives if they want to stay relevant in markets like Denmark.
Featured Image Credit: klix.ba
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