Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$66,500 - $91,300

2026 price

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Holden Calais

$12,990 - $27,800

2018 price

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Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2018 Holden Calais

By James Cleary

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

V6, 3.6L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refinement
Efficiency
Safety

Plenty of cabin space
Safety gear on-point
Punchy V6

Dislikes

Pricey servicing
Modest road feel
No physical spare tyre

Fuel use on the high side
Four-cylinder turbo petrol unavailable
Diesel not an option

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Summary

Mercedes-Benz has shifted its CLA compact coupe-style sedan from support player to headline act with the introduction of this all-new, third-generation version.

It exemplifies the German giant’s multi-powertrain approach with an expansion of the local line-up from two pure-combustion variants to a five-model range comprising three hybrid and two pure-electric options.

CarsGuide was invited to sample the hybrid version of the newcomer (the EVs arrive in July), so stay with us to see if this sleek four-door is your kind of premium European compact sedan.

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2018 Holden Calais Summary

If Holden had a dollar for every time someone had criticised the new and international flavour of Australia’s formerly home-grown hero, it would surely have more than enough spare cash to blow the dust of that vast South Australian factory and restart local Commodore production immediately.

Hell, there’d probably be enough left over to relaunch the Camira while they were at it. And maybe even knock out a new Gemini or two.

So we’re not going to do that again here. The all-new Commodore, in this case the Calais Tourer, is now here - granted having travelled further than the one it replaces - and so we’ll be playing this review with the straightest of bats.

Because the truth is, if you peel the badging - and thus the swirling emotion - off its elongated rump, then you’ll find this German-built Tourer is, really and truly, a very good thing.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2018 Holden Calais

Verdict

The broadening of the CLA’s scope in this third-gen version puts it a step ahead of key rivals and raises the compact sedan’s prominence in the three-pointed star’s local line-up. Its combination of quality design, performance and efficiency is compelling. And we’ll drive the battery-electric version as soon as it lands.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

A best-of-both-worlds option that should have us questioning our SUV obsession, the Calais Tourer delivers plenty of practicality perks and a higher ride height in a dynamic and car-like package. The equipment levels are spot on, including the comprehensive safety package, and it you act smartly, you'll get a hugely long warranty to boot.

It sure is thirsty, though, and we can't help but think plenty of owners would be happier with a smaller, more-efficient engine.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Holden Calais What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?