Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé vs Lexus RZ

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.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

CLA 200 Petrol Mild Hybrid 8-Speed DCT Current

ZAR 892,968 ex-showroom

⚡ 120 kW 🔧 270 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l

Lexus RZ

RZ 550e F SPORT Electric Single-Speed Reduction Gear Current

ZAR 1,977,600 ex-showroom

⚡ 300 kW 🔧 269 Nm

＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé vs Lexus RZ: the short answer

RZ has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLA Coupé remains close.

CLA Coupé starts ZAR 789,632 cheaper CLA Coupé from ZAR 892,968 · RZ from ZAR 1,682,600

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives

Specification	CLA Coupé	RZ
Maximum Power	CLA Coupé120 kW	RZ300 kW
Maximum Torque	CLA Coupé270 Nm	RZ268.6 Nm
Engine Size	CLA Coupé1332 cc	RZNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy	CLA Coupé16.7 km/l	RZNot Applicable
Ground Clearance	CLA Coupé135 mm	RZ200 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.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

CLA 200

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Lexus RZ

RZ 550e F SPORT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

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)

CLA Coupé

Strengths

Stronger listed safety equipment

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures

Best suited to: General Use

Specification evidence leader

RZ

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures

Weak Spots

Fewer listed safety features

Best suited to: Published Performance Published Efficiency Published Practicality

Which One's Right for You?

CLA Coupé

Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment

RZ

Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Model Introduced Year	2026	2026
Generation	Current South African CLA Coupé generation represented by derivative CLA 200	Updated dedicated battery-electric Lexus RZ range launched locally in 2026
Facelift History	Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration	2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Launched Since	Current South African model cycle	2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Version Ending	Current	Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style	Coupe	SUV
Model Year	2026	2026
Production Status	Current South African retail range	active
Segment	Premium coupé	Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type	Coupé	SUV
Tare Mass Kg	-	2145-2165 kg

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Length	4695 mm	4805 mm
Width	1830 mm	1895 mm
Height	1430 mm	1635 mm
Wheelbase	2729 mm	2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)	135 mm	200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)	120 mm	Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity	43 l	0 l
Boot/Cargo Space	460 l	522 l
Kerb Weight	1580 kg	2180 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	2000 kg	2640 kg
Payload Capacity	550 kg	460 kg
Towing Capacity	2000 kg	750 kg
Seating Capacity	4 seats	5 seats
Number of Rows	2 rows	2 rows
Doors	2 doors	5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius	5.55 m	5.6 m
Front Headroom	960 mm	1013 mm
Rear Headroom	960 mm	1008 mm
Front Legroom	900 mm	1069 mm
Rear Legroom	900 mm	953 mm

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Engine	1332/L4	Battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code	M282	Not Applicable
Fuel Type	Petrol Mild Hybrid	Electric
Hybrid System	48V Mild Hybrid	Not Applicable
Engine Displacement	1332 cc	Not Applicable
Cylinders	4	Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout	Inline	Not Applicable
Valves	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder	4	Not Applicable
Aspiration	Turbocharged	Not Applicable
Fuel System	Direct injection	Not Applicable
Compression Ratio	10.6:1	Not Applicable
Bore	72.2 mm	Not Applicable
Stroke	81.4 mm	Not Applicable
Maximum Power	120 kW	300 kW
Maximum Torque	270 Nm	268.6 Nm
Combined Power	120 kW	Not Applicable
Combined Torque	270 Nm	Not Applicable
Motor Type	48 V integrated starter-generator	Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors	1	2
Motor Location	Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system	Front + Rear
Drive Type	FWD	AWD
Transmission	8-Speed DCT	Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed	229 km/h	180 km/h
0-100 km/h	8.4 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.0 sec	Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes	Comfort, Sport, Individual	Eco, Normal, Sport, Range
Launch Control	No	No
Rev Limiter	6500 rpm	Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio	Not Officially Disclosed	137.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity	Not Officially Disclosed	76.9 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity	Not Officially Disclosed	72.0 kWh
Battery Type	0	NMC
Battery Voltage	Not Officially Disclosed	384.8 V
Electric Range	Not Applicable	450 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power	Not Applicable	22 kW
DC Charging Power	Not Applicable	150 kW
AC Charging Time	Not Applicable	3 h 30 min
DC Charging Time	Not Applicable	30 min (10-80%)
Regenerative Braking	No	Yes

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Gearbox	8-Speed DCT	Single-speed electric drive
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	AWD DIRECT4
LSD Available	No	Not Applicable
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Differential Lock	No	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	Yes	Standard
Final Drive Ratio	Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference	13.786:1 front / 13.786:1 rear
Number of Gears	8	1
Transmission Type	8-Speed DCT	Single-speed electric drive
Clutch Type	Dual-clutch	Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator	Yes	Standard
Gear Shift Type	Automatic with manual shift mode	Automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD DIRECT4
4WD Engagement	No	Permanent all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range	0	Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range	0	Not Applicable
4WD Selector	No	Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles	Yes	Standard
Front Differential Lock	No	Not Applicable
Gearbox Type	8-Speed DCT	Single-speed electric drive
Low Range Ratio	0	Not Applicable
Low Range	0	Not Applicable
Axle Layout	Driven axle configuration: FWD	AWD DIRECT4
Rear Differential Lock	No	Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds	8	1

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Claimed Mileage	16.7 km/l	Not Applicable
City Mileage	16.7 km/l	Not Applicable
Highway Mileage	16.7 km/l	Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity	66 l	Not Applicable
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity	0 l	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	Yes	Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage	16.7 km/l	Not Applicable
Charging Port Type	Not Applicable	Type 2 AC / CCS2 DC
Charging Type	Not Applicable	AC and DC charging
Fuel Tank Litres	66	Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range	0	450
Electric Consumption	0	18.41
Range Real World Highway	0 km	320 km
Range Real World Mixed	0 km	390 km

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Airbags	7	Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Front Side
ABS	Yes	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Yes	Standard
Traction Control	Yes	Standard,,
Hill Descent Control	No	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Standard Rear door
ISOFIX Mounts	Yes	Standard 2
Brake Assist	Ventilated disc brakes	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Siren/ Intrusion Sensor,Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment	Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Front Parking Sensors	Front and rear	Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB	Ventilated disc brakes	Standard
BA	Yes	Standard
Brake Override System	Ventilated disc brakes	Standard
Curtain Airbags	Yes	Standard
Driver Airbag	Yes	Standard
EBD	Yes	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Siren/ Intrusion Sensor,Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor
Hill Hold	Yes	Standard
Passenger Airbag	Yes	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment	Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder	Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment	Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Side Airbags	Yes	Standard
Stability Control	Yes	Standard
TCS	Yes	Standard,,
Knee Airbag	Yes	Standard
ABS EBD	Yes	Standard
Alarm System	-	Siren/ Intrusion Sensor,Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor
Anti Theft Alarm	-	Siren/ Intrusion Sensor,Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Cruise Control	Adaptive cruise control	Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control	Yes	Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist	Yes	Standard Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	Standard Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring	Yes	Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Standard
Parking Sensors	Front and rear	Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera	Yes	EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera	Yes	EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Ventilated disc brakes	Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert	Yes	Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition	Yes	Standard
Auto Highbeam	Yes	Standard
Auto Wipers	Rain-sensing automatic wipers	Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors	Front and rear	Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera	Yes	EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control	Yes	Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist	Yes	Standard
Around View Monitor	Yes	EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning	Yes	Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning	Yes	Standard

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Seat Material	ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim	Ultra-Suede/ F SPORT
Heated Seats	Front heated seats	Standard Front and Rear,+ Front Radiation
Ventilated Seats	Model/option dependent	Standard Driver + Passenger
Ambient Lighting	64-colour ambient lighting	Multi-colour
Steering Wheel Material	Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel	Steer-By-Wire F SPORT/ Synthetic Leather + Heater
60 40 Split Seat	Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment	60:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment	Electric adjustment with memory	8-way power
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Electric adjustment with memory	8-way power
Seat Trim	Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment	Ultra-Suede/ F SPORT
Folding Rear Seats	-	60:40 -
Rear Armrest	-	Standard
Cup Holders	-	Standard 4
Instrument Cluster Type	-	Standard TFT
Driver Lumbar Support	-	Driver 2-way,Power

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Climate Control	Automatic climate control	Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Power Windows	Yes	All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry	KEYLESS-GO	Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start	Yes	Push Start
Wireless Charging	Yes	Standard
Sunroof	Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof	Panoramic (Dimming)
Electric Tailgate	No	Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers	Rain-sensing automatic wipers	Standard
AC Type	Automatic climate control	Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Load Bed Length	-	Not Applicable
Load Bed Width	-	Not Applicable
Air Conditioning	Automatic climate control	Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Loadbox Length Mm	-	Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm	-	Not Applicable

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Infotainment System	MBUX multimedia system	Mark Levinson/ EMV
Apple CarPlay	Wireless Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Wireless Android Auto	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Standard
Number of Speakers	13	Standard 13
Digital Instrument Cluster	12.3-inch digital instrument display	Standard TFT
USB Ports	USB-C ports	Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen	MBUX multimedia system	Mark Levinson/ EMV
Touchscreen	MBUX multimedia system	Mark Levinson/ EMV
Navigation System	-	Standard/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size	MBUX multimedia system	Mark Levinson/ EMV
Audio Speakers	13	Standard 13
Audio System	-	Mark Levinson/ EMV
Front Rear USB Charge Ports	-	Standard 5PCs
Connected Services	-	Standard

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
LED Headlamps	LED High Performance headlamps	Standard
Daytime Running Lamps	LED daytime running lights	Standard LED
Fog Lamps	Integrated LED all-weather lighting	LED fog-lamp function
Roof Rails	No	Not Available
Exterior Colour Options	Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment	Classic White, Graphite Black GF, Neutrino Grey, Neutrino Grey Bi-Tone, Sonic Copper Bi-Tone, Sonic Iridium
Headlights	LED High Performance headlamps	Standard
Panoramic Sunroof	Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof	Panoramic (Dimming)

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Approach Angle	Not Applicable	15.0 deg
Departure Angle	Not Applicable	24.0 deg
Wading Depth	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Terrain Modes	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Locking Differential	No	Not Applicable
4WD System Type	No	Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle	Not Applicable	16.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max	-	200 mm
Ground Clearance Min	-	200 mm

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Tyre Size	245/40 R19	F:235-50 R20 / R:255-45 R20
Front Brake Type	Ventilated disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type	19-inch alloy wheels	Without (Repair Kit Included)
Wheel Rim Size	19	20
Handbrake Type	Ventilated disc brakes	Electric

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Front Suspension	Independent multi-link suspension	MacPherson -
Rear Suspension	Independent multi-link suspension	Wishbone -
Front Track Width	-	1614 mm
Rear Track Width	-	1636 mm

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
CO2 Emissions	154 g/km	Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement	-	Not Applicable

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Service Plan	5 Years / 100000 km	7 years / 105000 km
Service Interval	-	12 months / 15,000km

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Ownership Role	Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.	Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar	892968 ZAR	1977600 ZAR
Pricing Role	Current South African retail price	Flagship
Starting Price	1050000	1977600
Starting Price Zar	1050000	1977600

Spec	CLA Coupé	RZ
Warranty	5 Years / 100000 km	7 years / 105,000km

In depth: how these cars differ

This CLA Coupé and RZ 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: CLA Coupé 55 vs RZ 83.

Efficiency index: CLA Coupé 68 vs RZ 90.

Safety-equipment index: CLA Coupé 95 vs RZ 94.

Practicality index: CLA Coupé 59 vs RZ 62.

Ownership-cover index: CLA Coupé not separately scored vs RZ 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

CLA Coupé and RZ image comparison

Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

View 8 more CLA Coupé images

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

View CLA Coupé model and variants

Lexus RZ

Lexus RZ exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

View 8 more RZ images

Lexus RZ exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

Lexus RZ interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

View RZ model and variants

Specification Evidence Index

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

RZ leads by 13 points

RZ has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLA Coupé remains close.

Evidence leader 82 /100

Lead 13 points

Data 60% source coverage

#1 Evidence leader

RZ

60% source coverage 3 strong categories

Best at Safety 94 Check Practicality 62

Performance 83

Efficiency 90

Safety 94

Practicality 62

Leads by 13 points

CLA Coupé

83% source coverage 1 strong categories

Best at Safety 95 Check Performance 55

Performance 55

Efficiency 68

Safety 95

Practicality 59

Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%

Category leaders What moves the verdict

Performance RZ +28 Efficiency RZ +22 Safety CLA Coupé +1 Practicality RZ +3

Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.

Why this score View full breakdown

Evidence-index leader

RZ

Performance 83/100

Efficiency 90/100

Safety 94/100

Practicality 62/100

CLA Coupé

Performance 55/100

Efficiency 68/100

Safety 95/100

Practicality 59/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index Lexus RZ leads the specification evidence index with 82 pts vs 69 pts for CLA Coupé

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RZ leads. However, CLA Coupé may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

CLA Coupé vs RZ questions

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.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé vs Lexus RZ

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

Lexus RZ

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé vs Lexus RZ: the short answer

Five key differences

Hagalu editorial ratings

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

Lexus RZ

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

CLA Coupé

RZ

Which One's Right for You?

CLA Coupé

RZ

Full Specs, Side by Side

In depth: how these cars differ

CLA Coupé and RZ image comparison

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé

Lexus RZ

Specification Evidence Index

RZ leads by 13 points

RZ

CLA Coupé

RZ

CLA Coupé

What the evidence means

Related comparisons

CLA Coupé vs RZ questions