Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Genesis G70
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 4 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$66,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$73,000RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's standard kit: $73,000 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the Genesis G70 opens at $73,000. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $6,500.
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 $73,150 and $80,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $7,125 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis G70 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 81% for the Genesis G70.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 10 in the Genesis G70.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-005949 · published 15 Apr 2024The electrical power steering control unit back-up software may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2024
- REC-005401 · published 6 Apr 2022Due to a software issue, the automatic network search of the emergency call system (eCall) communication module may be deactivated.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 7 more on the model page.
Genesis G70
- REC-006245 · published 17 Jan 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel control valve in the high-Pressure fuel pump could allow excess fuel to enter the pump.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2023
- REC-006067 · published 30 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the sealing of the starter motor may be insufficient allowing moisture to enter into the unit.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2018
- REC-006049 · published 6 Aug 2024The left-hand turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate due to heat from the exhaust manifold.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis G70 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Lexicon by HARMAN audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The Genesis G70 responds with a Petrol making 274kW and 510Nm, paired to a electronic controlled 8 speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The Genesis G70 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 100kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Genesis G70 is 4.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class measures 4,723mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 38mm longer than the Genesis G70 at 4,685mm (2,835mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G70 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 330L in the Genesis G70, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 75L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and $2,964/year for the Genesis G70. That is a $1,425 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis G70). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis G70 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 70
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 70), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 45), performance (Genesis G70 ahead by 44), value (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 12). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $1,425 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis G70?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $66,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis G70 by $6,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis G70 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 405L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Genesis G70 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis G70 makes the most power at 274kW. The Genesis G70 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.7s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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