Verdict
These cars serve sharply different Malaysian use cases. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric costs RM25,643 more at RM274,888, but brings five seats, four doors, a 405-litre boot and a claimed 748 km EV range from its 85 kWh battery. Its RM260 annual road tax is also far below the Subaru BRZ’s RM767. The BRZ is the cheaper, lighter driver’s choice: 1,289 kg versus 1,980 kg, with a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 226 km/h top speed. The CLA Electric is far better suited to carrying people and luggage, though its 800V system cannot use 400V DC chargers.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric if you need five seats, a 405-litre boot, 748 km claimed EV range and far lower RM260 annual road tax.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want the lower RM249,245 entry price, a 1,289 kg coupe and a six-speed manual with quicker 6.3-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric RM274,888; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 6.7 seconds; Subaru BRZ 6.3 seconds.
- Kerb weight: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 1,980 kg; Subaru BRZ 1,289 kg.
- Practicality: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has 5 seats and a 405-litre boot; Subaru BRZ has 4 seats and a 226-litre boot.
- Dimensions: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is 4,723 mm long with a 2,790 mm wheelbase; Subaru BRZ is 4,265 mm long with a 2,575 mm wheelbase.
- Annual road tax: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric RM260; Subaru BRZ RM767.
CLA Electric
- 748 km claimed EV range from an 85 kWh battery.
- Five seats, four doors and a 405-litre boot.
- 320 kW DC charging and extensive active safety equipment.
- RM25,643 more expensive than the BRZ.
- Slower to 100 km/h: 6.7 seconds versus 6.3 seconds.
- Much heavier at 1,980 kg versus 1,289 kg.
BRZ
- RM249,245 price is RM25,643 lower.
- Quicker 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 226 km/h top speed.
- Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive and 1,289 kg kerb weight.
- Only two doors, four seats and a 226-litre boot, versus the CLA Electric’s four doors, five seats and 405 litres.
- RM767 annual road tax is RM507 higher.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or collision warning, unlike the CLA Electric.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM274,888 | RM249,245✓ |
| 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, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Boxer 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 | — |
| Gears | 2 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| 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 | 1,289 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 | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtains, Driver Knee and Centre) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain) |
| 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 Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Evasive Steering Assist | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front 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 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| 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" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| 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 | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Hands-free Powered Boot Lid | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 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✓ | 100,000 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 & BRZ for sale
CLA Electric vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric or Subaru BRZ better?
The CLA Electric is better for daily passenger and luggage duties, with five seats, four doors and a 405-litre boot. The BRZ is better for a lower purchase price, a six-speed manual and quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric costs RM274,888 and the Subaru BRZ costs RM249,245, so the CLA Electric is RM25,643 more expensive.
Can the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric use all DC chargers?
No. The CLA Electric has 800V architecture and a 320 kW DC charging rate, but it does not support 400V DC charger compatibility.
