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 Electric vs Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: the short answer
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLE Cabriolet remains close.
Recorded price context
CLA Electric:
announced from
ZAR 1,212,650
·
CLE Cabriolet:
current from
ZAR 1,473,600
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Maximum Power
CLA Electric200 kW
CLE Cabriolet150 kW
Maximum Torque
CLA Electric335 Nm
CLE Cabriolet320 Nm
Engine Size
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
CLE Cabriolet1999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Electric0 km/l
CLE Cabriolet14.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Electric150 mm
CLE Cabriolet120 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 Electric
CLA 250+
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)
Specification evidence leader
CLA Electric
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
CLE Cabriolet
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Electric
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
CLE Cabriolet
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Current South African CLE Cabriolet generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Cabriolet
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Convertible
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Current South African retail range
Segment
Premium coupé
Luxury convertible
Vehicle Type
Coupé
Convertible
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Length
4800 mm
4850 mm
Width
1900 mm
1861 mm
Height
1600 mm
1424 mm
Wheelbase
2790 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
120 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
66 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
385 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
2050 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
420 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.0 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Engine
Electric engine
1999/L4
Engine Code
Not Applicable
M254
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1999 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
10.5:1
Bore
Not Applicable
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
200 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
335 Nm
320 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
320 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Rear
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
RWD
RWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
236 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.7 sec
7.9 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
85 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
85.0 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
85.0
0
Battery Voltage
85.0 V
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
320 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
No
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Gearbox
Single-speed reduction gear
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
RWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
1
9
Transmission Type
Single-speed reduction gear
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Electronic shift-by-wire
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
No
No
4WD Hi Range
750
0
4WD Lo Range
750
0
4WD Selector
No
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
750
0
Low Range
750
0
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
1
9
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Claimed Mileage
0 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Zero tailpipe emissions
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Not Applicable
Charging Type
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
0
66
Combined Driving Range
750
0
Electric Consumption
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
0
Range Real World Highway
750 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
750 km
0 km
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-C ports
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
No
No
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
19
19
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
175 g/km
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
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.
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
1212650 ZAR
1473600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
1300000
1600000
Starting Price Zar
1300000
1600000
Spec
CLA Electric
CLE Cabriolet
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Electric and CLE Cabriolet 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 Electric 77 vs CLE Cabriolet 65.
Efficiency index: CLA Electric 90 vs CLE Cabriolet 60.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Electric 95 vs CLE Cabriolet 95.
Practicality index: CLA Electric 54 vs CLE Cabriolet 53.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Electric not separately scored vs CLE Cabriolet 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 Electric and CLE Cabriolet 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 9 points
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLE Cabriolet remains close.
Performance
CLA Electric +12
Efficiency
CLA Electric +30
Safety
Level
Practicality
CLA Electric +1
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
CLE Cabriolet
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
53/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 69 pts for CLE Cabriolet
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, CLE Cabriolet 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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