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In this show report, we walk through the most important newcomers and notable models at the Motor Show. Not everything fits in one lap, but this gives a good idea of what to expect at the show.

Mazda CX-6e

One of the big firsts is the Mazda CX-6e. This all-electric SUV can be seen as the higher and more practical brother of the Mazda 6e. Mazda deliberately chose one powertrain: a 78 kWh LFP battery combined with a rear-mounted 190 kW (258 hp) and 290 Nm torque electric motor. This keeps the range uncluttered, while the performance perfectly matches the character of a modern family SUV. You can read all about the Mazda CX-6e here.

Renault packs quite a punch in Brussels

Those looking for something more compact soon turn to Renault. The new Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric is a fresh appearance in the A-segment. With a length of 3.79 meters, an output of 60 kW (82 hp) and a driving range of up to 262 kilometers, it clearly targets urban use and is compact, light and fully electric. Renault is thus aiming for affordable electric mobility, without abandoning the Twingo’s playful character. What it looks like up close? Check out the video below!

Renault is also showing the new Renault Clio, with a completely revised design, both front and rear. Under the hood, it includes a hybrid powertrain with 115 kW (160 hp).

At the other end of the spectrum is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Two electric motors on the rear axle combine to deliver 396 kW (540 hp) good for a top speed of 270 km/h. Production is limited to 1,980 units, a clear nod to the original launch year of the Renault 5 Turbo.

News from Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota and Honda

At Nissan, Brussels is all about the new Leaf and we see the Micra. Suzuki presents the e-Vitara, the electric alternative to the well-known Vitara and technically related to the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Honda brings back the new Prelude, a model name with history, alongside a revamped Honda Civic.

Kia and Hyundai also make themselves heard

At Kia, it’s all about the Kia EV2 in Brussels. This compact electric city car positions itself below the EV3 and shows how Kia wants to keep electric mobility accessible to a wider audience – a bit like the Picanto does for fuel-engined cars. Kia is not just about one new model. We also see the GT variants of the EV3 and EV5, and the brand is also showing the Kia PV5 and Kia K4, which should come with mild-hybrid and full hybrid powertrains.

Hyundai is taking a very different approach with the Staria Electric. Where many electric newcomers focus on compact SUVs, Hyundai stays true to the MPV concept. The Staria Electric aims for space, comfort and versatility, with applications ranging from passenger transportation to business use.

Hydrogen technology also remains present, with the Hyundai Nexo. This hydrogen-electric SUV achieves a range of over 800 kilometers thanks to a larger tank volume of 6.69 kilograms of hydrogen. Refueling takes about five minutes. System power comes to 190 kW (259 hp), with the electric motor on the front axle having the largest share.

Promising newcomers

New players are also seizing Brussels to showcase themselves emphatically. Leapmotor is presenting the B03X, a compact electric SUV that should conquer the European market with a combination of sharp positioning and modern technology. Expressly developed with Europe in mind, the B03X should offer an alternative to established names in the B and C segments. In addition, the brand is showing the B10 Hybrid EV and the B05.

A notable first is the Xpeng P7+. This model comes not only as a fully electric car, but now also as a plug-in hybrid. The EV can charge ultra-fast: from 10 to 80 percent in just 12 minutes. The PHEV uses a 110 kW (150 hp) 1.5 gasoline engine as a range extender, while a 178 kW (245 hp) electric motor provides propulsion. The 49.2 kWh battery promises a substantial electric driving range. Subtle changes to the front end, including active air vents, betray that this is a further development.

BYD is expanding its offering with the Atto 2 DM-i. Whereas this model was previously available only as an all-electric SUV, it now comes with a plug-in hybrid. The electric driving range is about 90 kilometers. MG adds a new electric SUV to the upper end of its range with the MGS6 EV. This C-segment model is on the Modular Scalable Platform and has a 77 kWh battery pack, good for a driving range of up to 530 kilometers. There are two variants: a version with 180 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm and a Dual Motor version with 266 kW (362 hp) and 540 Nm.

KGM is also seizing Brussels for a first with the Actyon Hybrid. This SUV with coupe-like roofline focuses primarily on space. The boot measures 668 liters and grows to 1,440 liters with the rear seats folded down. The Dual-Tech Hybrid system should combine efficiency with everyday convenience. What people on the street think of this car? You can see that in this video:

European attention-grabbers

BMW shows off the new iX3 and previews the next 3 Series, previewing the brand’s upcoming model generation.

Polestar is presenting the Polestar 5, a four-door GT with clear sporting ambitions and positioned as an alternative to models such as the Porsche Taycan. Audi is present in Brussels with a brutal RS6 GTO, a distinct appearance that leaves little to the imagination. Audi is also showing the Concept C, a study model that hints at a possible successor to the TT. Lancia, meanwhile, shows that the brand again has rally ambitions to live up to, alongside the electric Ypsilon HF.

Finally, there is news at Opel. The Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer get a facelift with a sharpened Opel Vizor and a lightened Opel Compass. Remarkably, the interior is made entirely of recycled materials. The Astra Electric gets a 58 kWh battery, good for a range of 454 kilometers and is now also equipped with V2L functionality.

The ‘Car of the Year’ has become….

During the Brussels Motor Show, the 2026 European Car of the Year is also traditionally announced. This year, the battle was between the Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4 and Skoda Elroq. In the end, the title went to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

And this is by no means all

In addition to the above newcomers, whether fully electric cars or hybrids, there is much more to see in Brussels. Think of other striking and sporty cars from brands such as Lamborghini and Bugatti. One thing is clear, this fair proves that the automotive world is in full swing.

Therefore, it is more than worthwhile to go and take another look. The Brussels Motor Show 2026 can be visited from Jan. 9 to 18 at Brussels Expo.

Header photo taken from Brussels Motor Show