Honda Prelude vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda Prelude starts from $65,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $57,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $7,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $71,500 and $63,690 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda Prelude by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda Prelude and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Honda Prelude and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Honda Prelude features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda Prelude stands out with wireless charging and Bose audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda Prelude uses a Inline 4 producing 110kW and 182Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda Prelude measures 4,693mm long on a 2,735mm wheelbase, 5mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,688mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Prelude generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 281L in the Honda Prelude and 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 179L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,226/year for the Honda Prelude and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Honda Prelude.
Estimated annual total: $1,226 (Honda Prelude) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). The Honda Prelude saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda Prelude) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda Prelude if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda Prelude will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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