Mercedes has been named the UK's best car manufacturer in the 2026 Auto Express Driver Power survey, beating established rivals and newer entrants like Tesla. The German brand achieved a score of 88.96 percent out of 100, topping a list that saw Alfa Romeo and Tesla round out the podium.
According to the survey of British motorists, Mercedes claimed first place by excelling in six of ten main categories, including technology, driving dynamics, and overall satisfaction. Auto Express commented: “Premium brands are typically burdened by high buyer expectations. While many fall short in this regard, Mercedes succeeds in satisfying buyers’ demands, claiming the crown as the best marque in this year’s Driver Power survey. Taking the gold medal in six of our 10 main categories, no brand could match Mercedes’ dominance.”
Alfa Romeo's Strong Comeback
Alfa Romeo surged to second place with a score of 87.17 percent, a notable jump after not making the list in the previous year. The Italian brand was praised for having the best-looking cars, as well as strong ride and handling. Owners appreciated the balance between physical controls and touchscreens, though the brand lost points on build quality and reliability.
Tesla Rounds Out the Top Three
Tesla came third with 86.91 percent, bolstered by the Mk1 Tesla Model 3 being voted the best car in the survey. Tesla scored highly in powertrain and infotainment categories, but lost marks in aesthetics and fit and finish. The strong performance of Tesla alongside century-old European brands highlights a period of transition in the automotive industry, where newer manufacturers are competing with established names.
However, the survey noted that Mercedes owners had to contend with high running costs, despite appreciating the technology and driving experience. The results come from the annual Driver Power survey conducted by Auto Express, which asks UK drivers to rate their vehicles across various criteria.
