Mercedes has been crowned the UK's best car manufacturer in the 2026 Driver Power survey conducted by Auto Express, beating Tesla, Alfa Romeo, and other major brands. The German marque scored 88.96% out of 100, topping the rankings among British motorists.
Survey Methodology and Results
The annual Driver Power survey asks UK drivers to rate their cars on various criteria, providing a real-world assessment of brand performance. Mercedes secured first place, followed by Alfa Romeo with 87.17% and Tesla with 86.91%. Notable brands like BMW and Ford did not make the top three.
Mercedes' Strengths and Weaknesses
According to Auto Express, Mercedes claimed gold in six of the ten main categories, excelling in technology and performance. However, the report noted that owners faced steep running costs. A spokesperson for Auto Express said: "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."
Alfa Romeo's Surge to Second Place
Alfa Romeo jumped from not featuring in the previous year's list to second place, scoring highly for ride, handling, and design. The brand earned top marks for having the most striking-looking cars. However, it lost points in build quality and reliability.
Tesla in Third
Tesla placed third with a score of 86.91%, bolstered by the Mk1 Tesla Model 3 winning best car overall. Tesla performed well in powertrain and infotainment categories but was let down by aesthetics and fit and finish.
Industry Context
The podium of Tesla, Alfa Romeo, and Mercedes comes at a pivotal time for the automotive industry, as newer manufacturers like Tesla compete with century-old European brands. With rapid transformation underway, the coming years will determine which brands thrive.
