Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Rolls-Royce Ghost
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$66,500 - $91,300

2026 price

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Rolls-Royce Ghost

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2024 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost

By James Cleary

By Stephen Corby

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Refinement
Efficiency
Safety

Road presence
Interior luxury
Gobs of power

Dislikes

Pricey servicing
Modest road feel
No physical spare tyre

Price
Options prices
Not being rich

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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2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost Summary

It’s finally happened: Rolls-Royce has become so divorced from the everyday world of common folk that it's no longer even sharing the previously agreed meanings of words. Rolls has its own meanings, possibly its own language, which must be spoken with a plum on the tongue.

They’ve been heading here for a while. For example, at Rolls, “affordable” means the car we're driving today, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, which is yours for just $680,000 (an indicative price, bumping to $800K for the Black Badge). And “iconic British marque” means, obviously, “BMW bought us in 2003, so there might be some German bits”.

It turns out that “driver-focused” means something different at Rolls-Royce, too. Thanks to a smattering of chassis innovations, Rolls says this updated 2025 Ghost is “the most driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever”. Which is “a side of Ghost’s character that our clients increasingly and enthusiastically embrace”.

Don’t fall for it. The Ghost’s extra focus is not actually very focusy, and its additional dynamism is really only more dynamic in the way that a bed that could corner at all would be more dynamic than a normal bed. None of that matters.

The reason it doesn’t matter is because the Ghost Series II is wonderful. Indeed, it is very nearly perfect. Which is a word that even Rolls won’t quibble over.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost

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

In a disruptive era when the coachbuilder has pivoted to SUVs like the Cullinan, a sort of London black cab that’s been dipped in opulence, and succeeds despite itself, and the brand’s grand, million-dollar EV, the Spectre, the Ghost is a safe and familiar space.

A beautiful, long, broad, immaculate land boat. It’s a space Rolls inhabits with relish.

The Ghost Series II feels nothing like a track-day option when you’re behind the wheel. But it might do if you were stepping out of a Phantom. Or a Cullinan. Or a Wraith. Especially if you’re stepping out of the back doors.

It’s the perfect driver’s car. As long as all your other cars are also Rolls-Royces.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Rolls-Royce Ghost What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Rolls-Royce Ghost
What's the difference?