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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 420 kW🔧 820 Nm⛽ 6.99 km/l
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Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid vs Rolls-Royce Dawn: the short answer
CLA Hybrid and Dawn are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Maximum Power
CLA Hybrid120 kW
Dawn420 kW @ 5250-6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLA Hybrid250 Nm
Dawn820 Nm @ 1600-4750 rpm
Engine Size
CLA Hybrid1499 cc
Dawn6592 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Hybrid16.7 km/l
Dawn6.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Hybrid150 mm
Dawn149 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 Hybrid
CLA 200
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)
CLA Hybrid
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
Dawn
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Dawn
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Model Introduced Year
2026
2016
Generation
Current South African CLA Hybrid generation represented by derivative CLA 200
Dawn four-seat convertible; this archive profile uses the MY17 World specification corroborated by a February 2018 South African road test.
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
The MY17 configuration is kept separate from the 2015 launch specification, which published different length, torque, acceleration, consumption and CO2 figures.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2017
Facelift Version Ending
Current
2023
Body Style
Sedan
Convertible
Model Year
2026
2017
Production Status
Current South African retail range
discontinued
Segment
Premium coupé
Ultra-luxury convertible
Vehicle Type
Coupé
Passenger car
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Length
4800 mm
5295 mm
Width
1900 mm
1947 mm
Height
1600 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
3112 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
149 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
149 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
82 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
321 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
2560 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
3040 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
480 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
0 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
6.35 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1018 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
963 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1054 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
937 mm
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Engine
1499/L4
6.592-litre twin-turbo V12
Engine Code
M282
N74B66A
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
6592 cc
Cylinders
4
12
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
48
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
10.0:1
Bore
72.2 mm
89 mm
Stroke
81.4 mm
88.3 mm
Maximum Power
120 kW
420 kW @ 5250-6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
820 Nm @ 1600-4750 rpm
Combined Power
120 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
270 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
RWD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
229 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.4 sec
5.0 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
12.8 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Low
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
164.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
320.3 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Not confirmed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
2.813
Number of Gears
8
8
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not confirmed
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Steering-column selector for 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
No
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
Two axles
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
8
8
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
6.99 km/l
City Mileage
16.7 km/l
4.59 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.7 km/l
10.10 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
82 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EU6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
No automatic engine stop/start
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
6.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
82
Combined Driving Range
0
575 km
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
522.93 km
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
ESP
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Not confirmed
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Hill-start assist
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not Applicable
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
LATCH child-seat anchor system
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Dynamic Brake Control
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Engine immobiliser
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver and front-passenger seat-belt warning sensor
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front Park Distance Control
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Available
BA
Yes
Dynamic Brake Control
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Not confirmed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Hill-start assist
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not confirmed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front and rear
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver and front-passenger seat-belt warning sensor
Side Airbags
Yes
Front side-impact airbags
Stability Control
Yes
ESP
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Front active knee protection
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Automatic distance-control cruise with stop-and-start traffic response
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Optional
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Optional
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not confirmed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not confirmed
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Park-distance system
Rear View Camera
Yes
Optional rear-view camera with top view
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Optional camera system with rear, top and side views
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not confirmed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not confirmed
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Glare-free high-beam technology
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear Park Distance Control
Reverse Camera
Yes
Optional rear-view camera with top view
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Automatic distance-control cruise with stop-and-start traffic response
Park Assist
Yes
Front and rear parking sensors
Around View Monitor
Yes
Optional camera system with rear, top and side views
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not confirmed
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Pre-collision safety system
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front; standard
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Optional front ventilated seats
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Optional – Atmospheric Interior Environment
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electrically adjustable with lumbar adjustment and memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electrically adjustable with lumbar adjustment
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Leather
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Individual front and rear climate controls
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Comfort Entry keyless access
Push Button Start
Yes
Keyless ignition
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not confirmed
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Applicable
Electric Tailgate
No
Smart power opening and closing luggage-compartment lid
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Individual front and rear climate controls
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Multimedia interface and navigation with Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Not confirmed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
18
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Analogue instruments with Power Reserve gauge
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Standard
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch high-definition display
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch high-definition display
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Not confirmed
Roof Rails
No
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Bespoke exterior colour commissioning
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
Not confirmed
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
Front 255/45 R20 101Y; rear 285/40 R20 104Y
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
No spare wheel; run-flat tyres
Wheel Rim Size
19
Front 8.5 x 20; rear 9.5 x 20
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electromechanical parking brake acting on the rear wheels
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Double-wishbone pneumatic suspension with newly designed self-levelling air springs, active roll control and continuous electronic damping
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-link pneumatic suspension with newly designed self-levelling air springs, active roll control and continuous electronic damping
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
CO2 Emissions
110 g/km
326 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Designed for 95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years, unlimited kilometres
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
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.
Historical South African Dawn derivative launched locally in March 2016 and documented locally in 2018; the March 2022 global Dawn order-book closure is an outer bound, not proof of the exact South African withdrawal year, while production ended in 2023.
Price Zar
937000 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Historical price on application
Starting Price
1150000
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
1150000
Not confirmed
Spec
CLA Hybrid
Dawn
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years, unlimited kilometres
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Hybrid and Dawn 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 Hybrid 54 vs Dawn 97.
Efficiency index: CLA Hybrid 70 vs Dawn 31.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Hybrid 95 vs Dawn 90.
Practicality index: CLA Hybrid 54 vs Dawn 52.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Hybrid not separately scored vs Dawn 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 Hybrid and Dawn 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
Dawn leads by 2 points
CLA Hybrid and Dawn are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Dawn
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
52/100
CLA Hybrid
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
70/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRolls-Royce Dawn
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 68 pts for CLA Hybrid
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Dawn leads. However, CLA Hybrid 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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