Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Hyundai IONIQ 6
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.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
From $66,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
100kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
405L
Hyundai IONIQ 6
From $63,000
Sedan
Electric
Electric
111kW
—
5★ ANCAP
401L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 opens at $63,000. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $69,300 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
53kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 220kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 220kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, V2L and BOSE 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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 responds with a Electric making 111kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has the clear power advantage at 111kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is 1.4s 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, 132mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 6 at 4,855mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 401L in the Hyundai IONIQ 6, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 4L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Hyundai IONIQ 6?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the cheapest at $63,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $3,500.
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 — Hyundai IONIQ 6 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.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 makes the most power at 111kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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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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