Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA: C117 vs C118 Facelift
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift is the quicker, stronger new-generation car: 421 hp/500 Nm and 4.1 sec beat the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117’s 360 hp/450 Nm and 4.6 sec. It is also 71 mm longer and has a 30 mm longer wheelbase, but boot space drops from 470 to 460 litres and the fuel tank shrinks from 64 to 51 litres. At RM392,888 against RM527,888, the outgoing C117 asks a lot less money. For a Malaysian buyer, the newer car’s RM135,000 gap buys speed and listed AEB, not extra luggage room.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117 if you want the lower buy-in, a 470-litre boot and can live with 360 hp and a 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift if you want the new-generation car’s 421 hp, 500 Nm and quicker 4.1-second sprint.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117 RM392,888; Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift RM527,888
- Power and torque: C117 360 hp/450 Nm; C118 Facelift 421 hp/500 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: C117 4.6 seconds; C118 Facelift 4.1 seconds
- Size: C117 4,630 mm long/1,777 mm wide; C118 Facelift 4,701 mm long/1,999 mm wide
- Wheelbase and height: C117 2,699 mm/1,432 mm; C118 Facelift 2,729 mm/1,413 mm
- Boot and fuel tank: C117 470 litres/64 litres; C118 Facelift 460 litres/51 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 392,888✓ | RM 527,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,991 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Power | 360 hp | 421 hp✓ |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 500 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.6 s | 4.1 s✓ |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.9 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 161 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,701 mm |
| Width | 1,777 mm | 1,999 mm |
| Height | 1,432 mm | 1,413 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,699 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Boot space | 470 L✓ | 460 L |
| Fuel tank | 64 L | 51 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 376 | RM 376 |
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.
C117
- Lower RM392,888 price
- Bigger 470-litre boot
- Larger 64-litre fuel tank
- 61 hp and 50 Nm down on the newer car
- 0-100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds, not 4.1
- AEB is not listed
C118 Facelift
- Stronger 421 hp and 500 Nm output
- Quicker 4.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- AEB is listed as standard
- Costs RM135,000 more
- Boot space drops to 460 litres
- Fuel tank is smaller at 51 litres
C117 vs C118 Facelift FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117 or Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift better?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift is better on performance and listed safety kit, with 421 hp, 500 Nm, a 4.1-second sprint and AEB. The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117 is better value if boot space and price matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift costs RM135,000 more: RM527,888 versus RM392,888 for the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117.
Which one is more practical?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C117 has the edge for luggage and range between refuels, with a 470-litre boot and 64-litre tank. The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA C118 Facelift has 460 litres and a 51-litre tank.