Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer wanting one car to cover the daily grind, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is the clearer pick. It costs RM21,112 less, seats five, has a 405-litre boot and claims 748 km from its 85-kWh battery. Its 268-hp, 335-Nm rear motor also beats the GR86’s 234 hp and 250 Nm, though the 1,291-kg Toyota is 0.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h at 6.3 seconds and has the six-speed manual, rear limited-slip differential and 226-km/h top speed for the driver who values involvement. The Merc’s 320-kW DC capability needs compatible charging, as it cannot use 400V DC chargers.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric if you want five seats, a 405-litre boot, 748 km of claimed EV range and far more active safety assistance for RM21,112 less.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, six-speed manual gearbox, rear limited-slip differential and 689-kg weight saving matter more than rear-seat space and EV convenience.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric RM274,888; Toyota GR86 RM296,000
- Power and torque: CLA Electric 268 hp/335 Nm; GR86 234 hp/250 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: CLA Electric 6.7 seconds/210 km/h; GR86 6.3 seconds/226 km/h
- Kerb weight: CLA Electric 1,980 kg; GR86 1,291 kg
- Seats and boot space: CLA Electric 5 seats/405 litres; GR86 4 seats/226 litres
- Road tax per year: CLA Electric RM260; GR86 RM767
CLA Electric
- RM21,112 cheaper with RM507 lower annual road tax
- Five seats and a 405-litre boot
- 85-kWh battery, 748-km claimed range and 320-kW DC charging
- 0.4 seconds slower from 0-100 km/h
- 689 kg heavier
- No 400V DC charger compatibility
GR86
- Quicker 6.3-second 0-100 km/h sprint and 226-km/h top speed
- Six-speed manual and rear limited-slip differential
- Full-size spare tyre and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
- Costs RM21,112 more and has RM767 annual road tax
- Four seats and a 226-litre boot
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM274,888✓ | RM296,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Segment | C-Segment | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | MMA platform, 800V architecture; no 400V DC charger compatibility | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12.5 |
| 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 | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 2 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 226 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,723 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,980 kg | 1,291 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 405 litres✓ | 226 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| 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 | — | Rear Limited Slip Differential |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Evasive Steering Assist | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| 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 | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED with Adaptive High Beam and Illuminated Star DRL | LED Headlamps |
| Taillamps | LED with Starry Motif | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Sports Seats, Artico Faux Leather with Dinamica Microfibre | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Foldable |
| 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, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | 64-colour Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | MBUX Superscreen: 10.25" Cluster + Twin 14" Touchscreens, MB.OS, 8 Speakers, Qi Wireless Charging | 8" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Driver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Hands-free Powered Boot Lid | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 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 | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| 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 & GR86 for sale
CLA Electric vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric or Toyota GR86 better?
The CLA Electric is better for most buyers because it is cheaper, has five seats, a 405-litre boot, 748 km of claimed range and extensive driver assistance. Choose the GR86 only if its manual gearbox, lower weight and rear limited-slip differential are the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric costs RM274,888 and the Toyota GR86 costs RM296,000, so the GR86 is RM21,112 more expensive.
Which is more practical for family use?
The CLA Electric is decisively more practical. It has four doors, five seats, a 405-litre boot, rear air-con vents and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. The GR86 has two doors, four seats and a 226-litre boot.
