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Mercedes-AMG C-Class vs Mercedes-AMG CLA

AMG C 63 S E - AMG CLA 45 S 4matic +

Mercedes-AMG C-Class
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
AMG C 63 S E
From R2 417 692
★ Our Pick
View Full Specs →
VS
Mercedes-AMG CLA
Mercedes-AMG CLA
AMG CLA 45 S 4matic +
From R1 740 207
View Full Specs →
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
310 kW
Torque
1020 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 w
8.3 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.4 s
4.1 s
Engine
1991 cc
1991 cc

Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG C-Class and the Mercedes-AMG CLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG C-Class delivers 500 kW while the Mercedes-AMG CLA produces 310 kW. On fuel, the C-Class returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined l/100km while the CLA uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 417 692 for the C-Class and R1 740 207 for the CLA. 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.

Specification
Mercedes-AMG C-ClassFrom R2 417 692
Mercedes-AMG CLAFrom R1 740 207
Performance
Power Output
500 kW
310 kW
Torque
1020 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
3.4 s
4.1 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
270 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 w
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
167 combined g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4842 mm
4701 mm
Width
1824-2165 mm
1830-1999 mm
Height
1458 mm
1413 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2729 mm
Kerb Weight
2090 DIN / 2165 EU Kg
1675 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
280 l
460 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
485 l
470 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator max 20000

Which Wins?

Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C-Class
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
CLA
Practicality
C-Class
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
+More powerful engine (500 kW)
+Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined l/100km)
+Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
+Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.4 ss)
-Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG CLA
+Lower starting price (R1 740 207)
-Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
-Less power than rival (310 kW vs 500 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C-Class or CLA?
The C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined l/100km and the CLA uses 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C-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 C-Class or CLA?
The C-Class produces 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque while the CLA delivers 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C-Class and CLA?
The C-Class starts from R2 417 692 and the CLA from R1 740 207. The CLA is cheaper by R677 485 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C-Class or CLA?
The C-Class has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the CLA can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C-Class or the CLA?
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.

Mercedes-AMG C-Class Variants

All C-Class Specs →

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