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 Toyota Corolla: the short answer
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Corolla remains close.
Recorded price context
CLA Electric:
announced from
ZAR 1,212,650
·
Corolla:
current from
ZAR 590,200
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Electric
Corolla
Maximum Power
CLA Electric200 kW
Corolla103 kW
Maximum Torque
CLA Electric335 Nm
Corolla142 Nm
Engine Size
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
Corolla1798 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Electric0 km/l
Corolla25.6 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Electric150 mm
Corolla130 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
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Corolla
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Corolla
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Model Introduced Year
2026
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Current South African Corolla listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium coupé
Sedan
Vehicle Type
Coupé
Sedan
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1405 kg
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Length
4800 mm
4630 mm
Width
1900 mm
1780 mm
Height
1600 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2790 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
43 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
470 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
1430 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1845 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
440 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.0 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
997 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
948 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
882 mm
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Engine
Electric engine
Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Electric
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1798 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
16
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
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
200 kW
103 kW
Maximum Torque
335 Nm
142 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
1 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
1 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Rear
Integrated transmission electric motor
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
CVT
Top Speed
210 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.7 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
85 kWh
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
85.0 kWh
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
85.0
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
85.0 V
400 V
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
Yes
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Gearbox
Single-speed reduction gear
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Continuously Variable Transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Electronic shift-by-wire
CVT
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD/
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
750
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
750
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
CVT
Low Range Ratio
750
Not Applicable
Low Range
750
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Claimed Mileage
0 km/l
25.6 km/l
City Mileage
0 km/l
21 km/l
Highway Mileage
0 km/l
29.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
43 l
Emission Standard
Zero tailpipe emissions
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
0 km/l
25.6 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
43 l
Combined Driving Range
750
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
750 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
750 km
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Airbags
7
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Driver knee airbag
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Pre-Collision System
-
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Corolla grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Power Windows
Yes
Not Available
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
470 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
25.6
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Smart Entry
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Passive Entry Start
-
Smart Entry
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Smart Entry
Source Model Column
-
corolla
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Unlocking
KEYLESS-GO
Smart Entry
Variant Role
-
Mid-to-high value derivative
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Smart Entry
Walk Away Lock
-
Smart Entry
Wireless Charger
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
12.3
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
12.3
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
12.3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
12.3
Infotainment Display
-
12.3
Connected Services
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Not Available
Roof Rails
No
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
3
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Body Type
-
Sedan
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
19
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
0
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
0
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
6 services / 90 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
6 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Duration
5 Years / 100000 km
6 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 Years / 100000 km
6 services / 90 000 km
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
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.
Top
Price Zar
1212650 ZAR
590200 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
1300000
590200
Starting Price Zar
1300000
590200
Spec
CLA Electric
Corolla
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Electric and Corolla 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 Corolla 46.
Efficiency index: CLA Electric 90 vs Corolla 96.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Electric 95 vs Corolla 90.
Practicality index: CLA Electric 54 vs Corolla 59.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Electric not separately scored vs Corolla 43.
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 Corolla 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 11 points
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Corolla remains close.
Performance
CLA Electric +31
Efficiency
Corolla +6
Safety
CLA Electric +5
Practicality
Corolla +5
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CLA Electric
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
Corolla
Performance
46/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 67 pts for Corolla
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, Corolla 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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