Verdict
At RM274,888, the CLA Electric undercuts the GR Corolla by RM94,062 while bringing an 85-kWh battery, 748 km claimed range and a 405-litre boot against 213 litres. It is also 4,723 mm long on a 2,790 mm wheelbase, versus the Toyota’s 4,407 mm and 2,640 mm. The GR Corolla answers with 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time, 1.4 seconds quicker than the Mercedes. For Malaysian buyers, charging is the dividing line: the Mercedes accepts up to 320 kW DC, but not 400V DC chargers; the Toyota has a 50-litre petrol tank.
CLA Electric
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric if you want the lower entry price, 748 km claimed EV range and almost twice the boot space.
GR Corolla
Pick the Toyota GR Corolla if you want all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and the quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric RM274,888; Toyota GR Corolla RM368,950.
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 6.7 seconds; Toyota GR Corolla 5.3 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 4,723 mm and 2,790 mm; Toyota GR Corolla 4,407 mm and 2,640 mm.
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 405 litres; Toyota GR Corolla 213 litres.
- Energy storage: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 85-kWh battery with 748 km range; Toyota GR Corolla 50-litre petrol tank.
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric four years/unlimited mileage; Toyota GR Corolla five years/unlimited mileage.
CLA Electric
- RM94,062 less expensive
- 748 km claimed range and 405-litre boot
- 320-kW DC charging, 360-degree camera and Park Assist
- 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time is slower than 5.3 seconds
- Rear-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive
- Four-year warranty versus five years
GR Corolla
- 296 hp, 400 Nm and 5.3-second 0-100 km/h
- All-wheel drive with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- RM94,062 more expensive
- 213-litre boot is 192 litres smaller
- No rear air-con vents
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM274,888✓ | RM368,950 |
| Body type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260 | RM207✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | MMA platform, 800V architecture; no 400V DC charger compatibility | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 296 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm at 3,250 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 268 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 335 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 85 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 748 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 320 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Two-speed Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Two-speed Automatic | 6MT |
| Gears | 2 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,723 mm | 4,407 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,851 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,980 kg | 1,475 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 405 litres✓ | 213 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Yokohama Advan Apex |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Limited Slip Differential Front and Rear |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtains, Driver Knee and Centre) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Evasive Steering Assist | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Traffic Sign Recognition, Curve Speed Reduction, Emergency Stop Assist, Parking AEB, Evasive Steering Assist. MB.Drive Assist (Level 2, adds lane centring and auto lane change) is a subscription: RM169/month (first month free), RM1,690/12 months or RM4,059/36 months incl. service tax | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED with Adaptive High Beam and Illuminated Star DRL | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED with Starry Motif | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Sports Seats, Artico Faux Leather with Dinamica Microfibre | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, with Heat-rejection Coating (no sunshade) | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | 64-colour Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | MBUX Superscreen: 10.25" Cluster + Twin 14" Touchscreens, MB.OS, 8 Speakers, Qi Wireless Charging | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Hands-free Powered Boot Lid | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, with Park Assist | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | Battery warranty 8 years/160,000 km | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CLA Electric & GR Corolla for sale
CLA Electric vs GR Corolla FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric or Toyota GR Corolla better?
The CLA Electric is the better choice for lower cost, claimed 748 km EV range and luggage space. Choose the GR Corolla for its 5.3-second sprint, all-wheel drive and six-speed manual.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Corolla costs RM94,062 more than the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric.
Can the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric use every DC fast charger?
No. Its DC charging rate is up to 320 kW, but it is not compatible with 400V DC chargers. Its AC charging rate is 11 kW.
