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 Lexus NX: the short answer
CLA Electric and NX are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Recorded price context
CLA Electric:
announced from
ZAR 1,212,650
·
NX:
current from
ZAR 1,074,200
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Electric
NX
Maximum Power
CLA Electric200 kW
NX205 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLA Electric335 Nm
NX430 Nm
Engine Size
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
NX2400 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Electric0 km/l
NX12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Electric150 mm
NX195 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
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
NX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
NX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
NX
Model Introduced Year
2026
2023
Generation
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
published
Segment
Premium coupé
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
Coupé
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1760-1860 kg
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Length
4800 mm
4660 mm
Width
1900 mm
1865 mm
Height
1600 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2790 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
195 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
520 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2370 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
-
Towing Capacity
500 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.0 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Engine
Electric engine
2.4-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
2400 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
87.5 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
99.5 mm
Maximum Power
200 kW
205 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
335 Nm
430 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Rear
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.7 sec
7.0 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
85.0 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
85.0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
85.0 V
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Gearbox
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic 8-speed
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
AWD
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
-
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
-
Number of Gears
1
8
Transmission Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic 8-speed
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Electronic shift-by-wire
Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
No
Permanent all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
750
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
750
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic 8-speed
Low Range Ratio
750
Not Applicable
Low Range
750
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
8
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Claimed Mileage
0 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
0 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
0 km/l
14.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Zero tailpipe emissions
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
0 km/l
12.3 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
55
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
NX
Airbags
7
Side,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Driver Knee
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
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/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
ELR,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/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
-
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
F SPORT
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Standard Front only
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
-
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
3 Spoke/ F SPORT
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
60:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
F SPORT
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
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 Electric
NX
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Auto Dual zone
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
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
No
Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Auto Dual zone
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control
Auto Dual zone
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
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 17
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 17
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 5PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Standard LED
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Graphite Black GF, Terrane Khaki, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
15.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
25.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Standard
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
No
Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
15.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
25.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max
-
195 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
195 mm
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
F:235-50RF R20 / R:235-50RF R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
-
Wheel Rim Size
19
20
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electric
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson -
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Double Wishbone -
Front Track Width
-
1605 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1625 mm
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
185 g/km
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15,000km
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
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
1212650 ZAR
1276500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Flagship
Starting Price
1300000
1276500
Starting Price Zar
1300000
1276500
Spec
CLA Electric
NX
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
7 years / 105,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Electric and NX 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 NX 86.
Efficiency index: CLA Electric 90 vs NX 49.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Electric 95 vs NX 93.
Practicality index: CLA Electric 54 vs NX 65.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Electric not separately scored vs NX 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 NX 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 3 points
CLA Electric and NX are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
NX +9
Efficiency
CLA Electric +41
Safety
CLA Electric +2
Practicality
NX +11
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
NX
Performance
86/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 75 pts for NX
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, NX 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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