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.
Data checked: specs 13 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.
Hyundai IONIQ 6: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
Blank cells below mean 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
$65,500RRP
- no option data for this car
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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 opens at $65,500. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $72,050 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class does not: only battery-electric vehicles 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.
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.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
- REC-006657 · published 9 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the anchorage tensioner stopper for the seatbelts in the front seating positions may lose tension.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2026
- REC-006489 · published 26 Nov 2025The affected vehicles charging port door panel may misaligned due to poor adhesive application that cause the retaining hook to unlatch, resulting in the port door panel detaching from the hinge assembly whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006224 · published 20 Dec 2024Due to a software issue in the Integrated Charging Control Unit, the auxiliary 12 Volt battery may not charge as intended, resulting in battery drainage and loss of motive power.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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 usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). 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 and panoramic roof — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L. 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 single speed reduction gear driving the rear wheels.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has the clear power advantage at 111kW vs 100kW. 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.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
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
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 65
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 65), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 31), value (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 11), reliability (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 10). 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 Hyundai IONIQ 6?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the cheapest at $65,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Hyundai IONIQ 6, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 405L with the seats up.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 makes the most power at 111kW.
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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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