Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs MG IM5
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
MG IM5
From $55,450
Sedan
Electric
Electric
217kW
—
ANCAP: no data
457L
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
MG IM5: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h, turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the MG IM5 opens at $55,450. That makes the MG IM5 the more affordable entry point by $11,050.
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 $60,995 respectively.
The MG IM5 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
75kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 153kW 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 MG IM5 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L 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 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 MG IM5 responds with a Electric making 217kW and 450Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels.
The MG IM5 has the clear power advantage at 217kW 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, 208mm shorter than the MG IM5 at 4,931mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG IM5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 457L in the MG IM5, giving the MG IM5 a 52L advantage.
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 7 years (MG IM5). The MG IM5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG IM5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG IM5 takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the MG IM5 has a clear edge. The MG IM5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 MG IM5?
The MG IM5 is the cheapest at $55,450 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $11,050.
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?
None of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and MG IM5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG IM5 has the largest boot at 457L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM5 makes the most power at 217kW.
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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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