Arval Mobility Observatory: “New electric SUVs are winning over company car drivers”

The electric SUV remains the most popular type of company car in Belgium, according to an analysis of all company cars ordered in the first half of 2026 at mobility solutions provider Arval Belgium. Most vehicles in the ranking are SUVs, and it is particularly striking that models featuring the latest technologies – such as 800-volt systems, faster charging capabilities, newer or more efficient batteries and more sophisticated software – are proving extremely popular.

With no less than 94.4 per cent fully electric cars and 3.3 per cent plug-in hybrids on Arval Belgium’s order list for the first half of 2026, one thing is abundantly clear: electric vehicles are here to stay in the Belgian company car landscape. Barely 2 per cent of the company cars ordered will still run purely on petrol (possibly supported by a small battery), whilst diesel models account for just 0.3 per cent. That is just 1 in every 333 new company cars.

Eight SUVs in the top 10

The top 10 continues to be dominated by the globally immensely popular SUV. A saloon and an estate car that share the same DNA – more specifically the Mercedes CLA – are the only exceptions. The battle for first place was a neck-and-neck race between the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes GLB, with the latter narrowly coming out on top. Third place was also hotly contested between a ‘classic’ in the top 10, the BMW iX1, and the latest Volvo model in the upper mid-range segment, the EX60. The Volkswagen Group is also strongly represented, with three SUV models in the top 10: the Skoda Enyaq, the Skoda Elroq and the Volkswagen ID.4. Thanks to the GLC’s strong sixth place, Mercedes is the most represented marque in this top 10. The Tesla Model Y, which was revamped and became available last year, just misses out, coming in at number 11.

“Belgian company car drivers often opt for trusted brands. It is also striking that the updated models, such as the CLA, the GLB and the iX3, or a brand-new model like the EX60, are heralding the next generation of BEVs in terms of technology. The fact that they offer improved technical performance in terms of range, as well as a higher standard of charging and comfort, explains their ranking.”

- Christophe Janssen, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in Belgium

What do 2026 and 2027 hold in store?

If we also take a look at positions 11 to 20, it’s striking that SUVs dominate there too. The BMW i4, the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer and the brand-new Volkswagen ID.Polo are the only exceptions. The latter has only been available to order at Arval Belgium since June, but in its first month on the market it immediately jumped to 17th place in the top 20 for the entire first half of the year. Moreover, the model recorded the highest monthly order volume for any single model in the first half of the year.

“The Volkswagen ID.Polo is the first fully electric version of a popular city car that has got off to a flying start here. The small-car segment is now just as electrified as the higher segments. This is demonstrated by the Skoda Elroq, but also by the KIA EV3, which are both in the top 20. We expect that, alongside SUVs – which will remain popular – a few familiar faces in saloon or estate form will re-enter the fray. For example, in response to market demand, BMW has brought forward the availability of the revamped i3, which will now closely resemble the original 3 Series model. When these new saloons and estates are equipped with the same technology as their SUV counterparts, they could even deliver better performance courtesy of their more favourable aerodynamics. The Mercedes CLA is already proving this today; the BMW i3 and the future electric Mercedes C-Class could follow suit.”

- Christophe Janssen, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in Belgium