Europe’s 50 Best-Selling Cars in July 2026

Europe’s car market expanded again in July, with registrations rising by 4.1% compared with July 2025. However, according to Dataforce figures published via Automotive News Europe, the increase was more modest than those seen in recent months. Across 2026 to date, the market is up 5.7%.

The figures cover 98% of all registrations, as Portugal and Croatia have not yet been included. Find out how the Portuguese market performed in July.

That same data gap applies to the ranking of Europe’s 50 best-selling cars in July 2026, although the available figures still provide a highly accurate picture of the models selling best across the “Old Continent”.

There are notable changes compared with June’s best-selling models. Most notably, the Tesla Model Y, which topped European sales in June, fell as far as 73rd place in July. The Dacia Sandero therefore reclaimed first position, with almost 20,000 units sold.

The other two podium places went to Volkswagen models: the Golf, whose sales are increasing by 14.1%, and the T-Roc, which moved in the opposite direction, with sales down by more than 17% against July last year.

These were Europe’s 50 best-selling cars in July 2026:

From first place to 73rd

While the Sandero returned to the top of the ranking, June’s winner is found much further down the list. In just one month, the Tesla Model Y dropped from first to 73rd place.

This is largely explained by Tesla’s delivery schedule. The company typically concentrates its highest volume of deliveries at the end of each quarter, creating unusual month-to-month fluctuations. The Model Y had also led the ranking in March before falling to 39th in April.

Which models gained and lost the most?

Among the 50 best-selling cars, some growth rates are particularly striking. The BMW iX3 (+4153.8%) and BYD Atto 2 (+1107.4%) recorded the largest percentage increases, although both results are magnified by a very small comparison base. In the BMW’s case, the rise is linked to the arrival of the new generation of the electric SUV, while the Atto 2 benefited from the introduction of the plug-in hybrid version.

Several models with more substantial sales volumes also stood out. The Mercedes-Benz CLA grew by 158.6%, the BYD Seal U rose by 60.9%, and the Opel Frontera increased by 54.5%, while the Renault 5 E-Tech and Volkswagen Polo gained 49.1% and 47.8% respectively. Already seventh in the ranking, the Mercedes-Benz GLC advanced by 45%.

At the other end of the table, the Dacia Duster posted the largest decline among the top 50, falling by 21.4%. It was followed by the Volkswagen T-Cross (-19.4%), Skoda Kamiq (-19.3%), Skoda Fabia (-18.8%) and Volkswagen T-Roc (-17.3%).

Sandero remains the year-to-date leader

Despite the monthly swings, the Sandero continues to be Europe’s best-selling car in the 2026 year-to-date rankings.

Between January and July, Dacia’s model reached 132,998 units and, despite the recovery that began in recent months, remains down by almost 11% compared with 2025. It holds a comfortable lead over the Volkswagen Golf and T-Roc.

The Tesla Model Y ranks fifth, with 115,957 registrations. Here, the picture differs greatly from July alone: over the year to date, the electric SUV is still growing by 55.2%.

Among the largest gains over the first seven months are the Citroën C3 Aircross, whose sales rose by 228% to 62,222 units, and the Opel Frontera, which increased by 277.6% to 51,119. The Mercedes-Benz CLA more than doubled its sales and has already reached 61,940 units.

Among electric cars, the Skoda Elroq stands out with 67,760 units, 59.2% more than during the same period of 2025, placing it 27th in the overall ranking.