Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Nissan Z
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes 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 Nissan Z opens at $76,160. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $18,260.
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 $83,776 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $6,125 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Z gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan Z. The Nissan Z counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Nissan Z offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 1-zone in the Nissan Z.
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 Nissan Z responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 475Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 3.6s 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, 308mm longer than the Nissan Z at 4,380mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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 $3,078/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $1,225 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $3,078 (Nissan Z). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $1,225 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 (Nissan Z). 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 Nissan Z if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Nissan Z trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $1,225 a year in fuel. 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 Nissan Z?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Z by $18,260.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Nissan Z carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Z makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Z is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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