Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Genesis GV80
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Genesis GV80 opens at $119,000. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $61,100.
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 $63,690 and $130,900 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $5,415 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis GV80 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 91% for the Genesis GV80.
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 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 10 in the Genesis GV80. The Genesis GV80 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Genesis GV80 gets a 27-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis GV80 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 responds with a Petrol making 279kW and 530Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 has the clear power advantage at 279kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis GV80 is 2.6s 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 4,688mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 252mm shorter than the Genesis GV80 at 4,940mm (2,955mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis GV80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 735L in the Genesis GV80, giving the Genesis GV80 a 275L advantage. The Genesis GV80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Genesis GV80 leads with a 2,722kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 922kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and $2,936/year for the Genesis GV80. That is a $1,083 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $2,936 (Genesis GV80). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $1,083 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis GV80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis GV80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis GV80 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $1,083 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Genesis GV80 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis GV80?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis GV80 by $61,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Genesis GV80 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Genesis GV80 has the largest boot at 735L.
Which can tow the most?
The Genesis GV80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,722kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis GV80 makes the most power at 279kW. The Genesis GV80 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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