Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Subaru BRZ
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru BRZ opens at $49,190. That makes the Subaru BRZ the more affordable entry point by $8,710.
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 $54,109 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $4,275 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 Subaru BRZ gets a 8-inch display and 7-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 Subaru BRZ. The Subaru BRZ counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Subaru BRZ offers leather.
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 Subaru BRZ responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Subaru BRZ has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 1.9s 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, 423mm longer than the Subaru BRZ at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 201L in the Subaru BRZ, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 259L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $2,708 (Subaru BRZ). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $855 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 (Subaru BRZ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Subaru BRZ trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 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 Subaru BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ is the cheapest at $49,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $8,710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru BRZ all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 460L.
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 Subaru BRZ makes the most power at 174kW. The Subaru BRZ is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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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