A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
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Decision summary
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: the short answer
Black Badge Ghost and CLA Electric are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Maximum Power
Black Badge Ghost441 kW
CLA Electric200 kW
Maximum Torque
Black Badge Ghost900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
CLA Electric335 Nm
Engine Size
Black Badge Ghost6749 cc
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Black Badge Ghost6.33 km/l
CLA Electric0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Black Badge Ghost118 mm
CLA Electric150 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
Black Badge Ghost Series II
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Black Badge Ghost
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
CLA Electric
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Ghost
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
Second-generation Black Badge Ghost in Series II form
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Facelift History
The current-generation Black Badge Ghost debuted globally in 2021, was introduced in South Africa in 2022 and evolved into Black Badge Ghost Series II in October 2024
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2024
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Four-door performance-luxury saloon
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Full-size performance super-luxury saloon
Premium coupé
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion passenger car
Coupé
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Length
5545 mm
4800 mm
Width
1998 mm
1900 mm
Height
1573 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
2790 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
118 mm
150 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
118 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
500 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
2505 kg
2000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3130 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
625 kg
500 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
12.0 m
Front Headroom
1030 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
990 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
1075 mm
900 mm
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol in high-power configuration
Electric engine
Engine Code
N74B68A
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
12
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
V
Not Applicable
Valves
48
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Applicable
Bore
89 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
90.4 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
441 kW
200 kW
Maximum Torque
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
335 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Rear
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.7 sec
6.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Low
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Yes
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
176 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
359.3 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85.0 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
85.0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
85.0 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
320 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Gearbox
8-speed ZF automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
RWD
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
No
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
8-speed ZF automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection via column stalk with Low button
Electronic shift-by-wire
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
RWD
4WD Engagement
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
No
Gearbox Type
8-speed ZF automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
750
Low Range
Not Applicable
750
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Transmission Speeds
8
1
LSD Available
-
No
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Front Differential Lock
-
No
Rear Differential Lock
-
No
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Claimed Mileage
6.33 km/l
0 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
0 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
6.33 km/l
0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Charging Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Fuel Tank Litres
90
0
Combined Driving Range
570-584 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.4-15.8 l/100 km WLTP)
750
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
Range Real World Highway
822 km
750 km
Range Real World Mixed
576 km
750 km
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Airbags
8
7
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Yes
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
No
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Yes
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Front and rear
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Front Head Protection System
Yes
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
Yes
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Yes
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Yes
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Yes
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Yes
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Yes
Brake Override System
-
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert System
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
Yes
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Yes
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Yes
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Heated front seats; rear-seat heating available
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Front and rear seat cooling available
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with Black Badge infinity motif
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
No
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Technical Carbon and Placed Perforation available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Yes
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Yes
Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Power open/close luggage compartment
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology
Yes
Number of Speakers
16
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
LED Headlamps
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Series II daytime-running-light treatment
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
No
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke colour commissions available
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
No
4WD System Type
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
No
Approach Angle
-
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Tyre Size
255/35 R22 102Y front and 285/30 R22 104Y rear; 255/40 R21 102Y front and 285/35 R21 105Y rear; 255/45 R20 105Y front and 285/40 R20 108Y rear; 255/45 R20 105V M+S all-round
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments; 22-inch part-polished seven-spoke forged Black Badge wheels
19
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Front Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
CO2 Emissions
359 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Service Plan
4 years / unlimited km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Ownership Role
High-power owner-driver expression of the Ghost saloon
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Pricing Role
Price on application
Current South African retail price
Price Zar
-
1212650 ZAR
Starting Price
-
1300000
Starting Price Zar
-
1300000
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
CLA Electric
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Black Badge Ghost and CLA Electric comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Black Badge Ghost 100 vs CLA Electric 77.
Efficiency index: Black Badge Ghost 29 vs CLA Electric 90.
Safety-equipment index: Black Badge Ghost 99 vs CLA Electric 95.
Practicality index: Black Badge Ghost 63 vs CLA Electric 54.
Ownership-cover index: Black Badge Ghost not separately scored vs CLA Electric not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Black Badge Ghost and CLA Electric image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
CLA Electric leads by 2 points
Black Badge Ghost and CLA Electric are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Black Badge Ghost +23
Efficiency
CLA Electric +61
Safety
Black Badge Ghost +4
Practicality
Black Badge Ghost +9
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CLA Electric
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
Black Badge Ghost
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
63/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 76 pts for Black Badge Ghost
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, Black Badge Ghost may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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