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.
Data checked: specs 13 Aug 2026, price 14 Oct 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.
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.
$66,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$55,450est. RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's standard kit: $55,450 (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.
Track the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & MG IM5
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the MG IM5 opens at $55,450 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 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
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and MG IM5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 89% for the MG IM5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG IM5, against 7 on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
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 7 in the MG IM5.
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.
MG IM5
None open on our record
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
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. 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 prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
MG IM5: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 75
The MG IM5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 75), taking 4 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ahead by 13), performance (MG IM5 ahead by 11), value (MG IM5 ahead by 7). 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and MG IM5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG IM5 has the largest boot at 457L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / No data.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM5 makes the most power at 217kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
