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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Upcoming in South AfricaConfirmed launch information and specifications remain visible while final availability is pending.
⚡ 200 kW🔧 335 Nm⛽ 0 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: the short answer
Black Badge Wraith 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 Wraith
CLA Electric
Maximum Power
Black Badge Wraith465 kW @ 5600 rpm
CLA Electric200 kW
Maximum Torque
Black Badge Wraith870 Nm @ 1700-4500 rpm
CLA Electric335 Nm
Engine Size
Black Badge Wraith6592 cc
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Black Badge Wraith6.85 km/l
CLA Electric0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Black Badge Wraith149 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 Wraith
Wraith Black Badge
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 Wraith
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
CLA Electric
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Wraith
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Model Introduced Year
2017
2026
Generation
Wraith Black Badge launch configuration; the World technical sheet was created in May 2016 and the derivative was launched in South Africa in early 2017.
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Facelift History
Black Badge was a distinct Wraith derivative, not a Wraith facelift; this profile keeps its launch specification separate from later revised figures.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
2023
Current
Body Style
Coupe
Sedan
Model Year
2017
2026
Production Status
discontinued
Current South African retail range
Segment
Ultra-luxury performance grand tourer
Premium coupé
Vehicle Type
Passenger car
Coupé
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Length
5285 mm
4800 mm
Width
1947 mm
1900 mm
Height
1507 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
3112 mm
2790 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
150 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
149 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
500 l
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
2440 kg
2000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2810 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
370 kg
500 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.35 m
12.0 m
Front Headroom
1002 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
941 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1054 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
937 mm
900 mm
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Engine
6.592-litre twin-turbo V12
Electric engine
Engine Code
N74B66A
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
6592 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
88.3 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
465 kW @ 5600 rpm
200 kW
Maximum Torque
870 Nm @ 1700-4500 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
RWD
RWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.5 sec
6.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Low
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
190.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
356.6 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 Wraith
CLA Electric
Gearbox
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
RWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
2.813
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Single-speed reduction gear
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Electronically controlled automatic; no shift paddles
Electronic shift-by-wire
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
750
Low Range
Not Applicable
750
Axle Layout
Two axles
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Transmission Speeds
8
1
LSD Available
Not confirmed
No
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Claimed Mileage
6.85 km/l
0 km/l
City Mileage
4.50 km/l
0 km/l
Highway Mileage
9.90 km/l
0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
0 l
Emission Standard
EU5
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
No automatic engine stop/start
Not Applicable
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
82
0
Combined Driving Range
561.64 km (calculated theoretical)
750
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
Real-world Mileage
6.85 km/l
0 km/l
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
750 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
750 km
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Yes
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat preparation
Yes
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Front Park Distance Control
Front and rear
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Head-protection airbags
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Front-seat side airbags
Yes
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Yes
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Yes
AEB
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear Park Distance Control
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Rear-view camera
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Yes
Auto Highbeam
High-beam assistance
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Park Distance Control
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Rear-view camera
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Yes
Park Assist
Front and rear parking sensors
Yes
Around View Monitor
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Seat Material
Leather
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Heated front seats
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Black Starlight Headliner
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Black Badge contrast leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Two one-touch power windows
Yes
Keyless Entry
Comfort Entry keyless access
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Push-button start
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Power opening and closing luggage-compartment lid
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Wireless Charging
Not confirmed
Yes
Sunroof
Not confirmed
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Infotainment System
Navigation and media interface with Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller and touchpad
MBUX multimedia system
Bluetooth Connectivity
Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Yes
Number of Speakers
16
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
No – analogue dials with Power Reserve gauge
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB audio connections in the centre console and glovebox
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch high-definition display
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10.25-inch high-definition display
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not confirmed
Wireless Android Auto
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
No
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke exterior colour commissioning; not restricted to black
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Optional fixed glass roof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Fog Lamps
Not confirmed
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not confirmed
No
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Tyre Size
Front 255/40 R21 102Y; rear 285/35 R21 105Y
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel; run-flat tyres
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Front 8.5 x 21; rear 9.5 x 21
19
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on the rear wheels
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Front Suspension
Black Badge-tuned double-wishbone pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Black Badge-tuned multi-link pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
CO2 Emissions
333 g/km
0 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Designed for 95 RON; minimum 91 RON
-
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Service Plan
4 years, unlimited kilometres
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Ownership Role
Historical South African Black Badge derivative revealed locally in early 2017 and supported by a 2018 Provenance record; the March 2022 global Wraith order-book closure is an outer bound, not proof of the exact South African withdrawal year, while production ended in 2023.
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
Historical price on application
Current South African retail price
Price Zar
Not confirmed
1212650 ZAR
Starting Price
Not confirmed
1300000
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
1300000
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
CLA Electric
Warranty
4 years, unlimited kilometres
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Black Badge Wraith 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 Wraith 97 vs CLA Electric 77.
Efficiency index: Black Badge Wraith 31 vs CLA Electric 90.
Safety-equipment index: Black Badge Wraith 88 vs CLA Electric 95.
Practicality index: Black Badge Wraith 57 vs CLA Electric 54.
Ownership-cover index: Black Badge Wraith 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 Wraith 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 7 points
Black Badge Wraith and CLA Electric are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Black Badge Wraith +20
Efficiency
CLA Electric +59
Safety
CLA Electric +7
Practicality
Black Badge Wraith +3
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 Wraith
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
57/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 71 pts for Black Badge Wraith
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, Black Badge Wraith 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.