Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Peugeot 408
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
Peugeot 408
From $57,990
Sedan
Hybrid
Hybrid
107kW
4.5 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
508L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 408 opens at $57,990. That makes the Peugeot 408 the more affordable entry point by $8,510.
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 $63,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 408 by roughly $1,280 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 408. The Peugeot 408 counters with wireless charging, power tailgate and Focal 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 Peugeot 408 responds with a Hybrid making 107kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Peugeot 408 has the clear power advantage at 107kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is 0.6s 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 4,723mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 33mm longer than the Peugeot 408 at 4,690mm (2,790mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 508L in the Peugeot 408, giving the Peugeot 408 a 103L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and $1,283/year for the Peugeot 408. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 408.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $1,283 (Peugeot 408). The Peugeot 408 saves you roughly $256 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 / 200,000km (Peugeot 408). Both match on warranty length.
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 Peugeot 408 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot 408 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Peugeot 408 will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 has a clear edge. 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 Peugeot 408?
The Peugeot 408 is the cheapest at $57,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $8,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 408 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Peugeot 408 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 408 has the largest boot at 508L.
Which can tow the most?
The Peugeot 408 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Peugeot 408 makes the most power at 107kW. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 8.8s.
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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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