VS
At a Glance
Power
310 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.1 s
7.6 s
Engine
1991 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG CLA and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG CLA delivers 310 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 145 engine kW. On fuel, the CLA returns 8.3 l/100km while the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 740 207 for the CLA and R1 428 015 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
310 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
4.1 s
7.6 s
Top Speed
270 Km/h
238 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4701 mm
4949 mm
Width
1830-1999 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1413 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2961 mm
Kerb Weight
1675 Kg
1915 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
460 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
470 l
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CLA
Fuel Economy
E-Class
Value
E-Class
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG CLA
More powerful engine (310 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.1 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 428 015)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Less power than rival (145 engine kW vs 310 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CLA or E-Class?
The CLA uses 8.3 l/100km and the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The E-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CLA or E-Class?
The CLA produces 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 145 engine kW and 440 Nm of torque. The CLA is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CLA and E-Class?
The CLA starts from R1 740 207 and the E-Class from R1 428 015. The E-Class is cheaper by R312 192 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CLA or E-Class?
The CLA has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CLA or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.