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 Hybrid vs Jaecoo J7 SHS: the short answer
J7 SHS holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CLA Hybrid.
Recorded price context
CLA Hybrid:
announced from
ZAR 937,000
·
J7 SHS:
current from
ZAR 689,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Maximum Power
CLA Hybrid120 kW
J7 SHS255 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLA Hybrid250 Nm
J7 SHS525 Nm
Engine Size
CLA Hybrid1499 cc
J7 SHS1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Hybrid16.7 km/l
J7 SHS100.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Hybrid150 mm
J7 SHS174 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
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
J7 SHS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
J7 SHS
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
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Model Introduced Year
2026
2025
Generation
Current South African CLA Hybrid generation represented by derivative CLA 200
Current South Africa J7 SHS range
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium coupé
SUV
Vehicle Type
Coupé
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Length
4800 mm
4500 mm
Width
1900 mm
1865 mm
Height
1600 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
174 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
60 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
1795 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2210 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
420 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
1300 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.0 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
975 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
910 mm
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Engine
1499/L4
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Code
M282
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
72.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
81.4 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
120 kW
255 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
525 Nm
Combined Power
120 kW
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
270 Nm
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
1
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
229 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
8.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
0
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
90 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
40 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
160 min
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
20 min
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
DHT
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
Hybrid DHT
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Electric
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
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
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
DHT
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
Hybrid DHT
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
100.0 km/l
City Mileage
16.7 km/l
17.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.7 km/l
23.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
60 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
100.0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC/DC
Fuel Tank Litres
66
60
Combined Driving Range
0
1200
Electric Consumption
0
18.7
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Available
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
1200 km
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
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
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leatherette / leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Standard
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Power
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Leatherette / leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Standard
Electric Tailgate
No
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Standard
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Standard
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Standard
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
174 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
174 mm
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
235/50 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
19
235/50 R19
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic parking brake
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-link
Front Track Width
-
Not Available
Rear Track Width
-
Not Available
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
CO2 Emissions
110 g/km
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
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.
range-specific
Price Zar
937000 ZAR
689900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
range-specific
Starting Price
1150000
689900
Starting Price Zar
1150000
689900
Spec
CLA Hybrid
J7 SHS
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
7 Year / 200 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Hybrid and J7 SHS 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 J7 SHS 91.
Efficiency index: CLA Hybrid 70 vs J7 SHS 96.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Hybrid 95 vs J7 SHS 94.
Practicality index: CLA Hybrid 54 vs J7 SHS 62.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Hybrid not separately scored vs J7 SHS 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 J7 SHS 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
J7 SHS leads by 17 points
J7 SHS holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CLA Hybrid.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
J7 SHS
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
62/100
CLA Hybrid
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
70/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexJaecoo J7 SHS
leads the specification evidence index with 85 pts
vs 68 pts for CLA Hybrid
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, J7 SHS 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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