Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs Toyota GR86

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 in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

CLA 250+ Electric Upcoming
ZAR 1,212,650 announced price
Upcoming in South Africa Confirmed launch information and specifications remain visible while final availability is pending.
⚡ 200 kW 🔧 335 Nm
VS
Toyota GR86 in South Africa

Toyota GR86

2.4 Automatic Petrol 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 799,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 173 kW 🔧 250 Nm ⛽ 10.9 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs Toyota GR86: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Recorded price context CLA Electric: announced from ZAR 1,212,650 · GR86: current from ZAR 749,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification CLA Electric GR86
Maximum Power CLA Electric200 kW GR86173 kW @ 7000 rpm
Maximum Torque CLA Electric335 Nm GR86250 Nm @ 3700 rpm
Engine Size CLA Electric- GR862387 cc
Combined Fuel Economy CLA Electric- GR8610.9 km/l
Ground Clearance CLA Electric- GR86130 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec CLA Electric GR86
Model Introduced Year 2026 2022
Body Style Sedan Sedan
Model Year 2026 2026
Production Status Current South African retail range active
Generation - Second generation GR86 with improved 2.4L engine
Facelift History - Second generation introduced in 2022 with more power
Facelift Launched Since - 2022
Facelift Version Ending - Current
Color Note - White, Red, Black, Grey, Blue
Dealer Stock Note - Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Segment - Sedan
Tare Mass Kg - 1270 kg
Vehicle Type - Sedan
Spec CLA Electric GR86
Engine Electric engine 2.4-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Fuel Type Electric Petrol
Maximum Power 200 kW 173 kW @ 7000 rpm
Maximum Torque 335 Nm 250 Nm @ 3700 rpm
Battery Capacity 85 kWh Not Applicable
Electric Range 673-792 km Not Applicable
Engine Code - Market-specific engine family
Hybrid System - Not Applicable
Engine Displacement - 2387 cc
Cylinders - 4
Cylinder Layout - Boxer
Valves - 16
Valves per Cylinder - 4
Aspiration - Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System - Dual Injection
Compression Ratio - 12.5:1
Bore - 82.0 mm
Stroke - 94.6 mm
Combined Power - Not Applicable
Combined Torque - Not Applicable
Motor Type - Not Applicable
Number of Motors - Not Applicable
Motor Location - Not Applicable
Drive Type - RWD
Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed - 226 km/h
0-100 km/h - 6.9 sec
Quarter Mile - 15.5 sec
Drive Modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control - No
Rev Limiter - 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio - 136.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio - 196.9 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity - Not Applicable
Battery Type - Not Applicable
Battery Voltage - Not Applicable
AC Charging Power - Not Applicable
DC Charging Power - Not Applicable
AC Charging Time - Not Applicable
DC Charging Time - Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking - Not Applicable

In depth: how these cars differ

This CLA Electric and GR86 comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

CLA Electric vs GR86 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.