Li Auto ONE vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Li Auto ONE | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 326 | 268 | +21.6% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 530 | 350 | +51.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Plug-in Hybrid | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $45,920 | $59,400 | -22.7% |
- Li Auto ONE makes about 22% more power (326 vs 268 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: ONE or CLA?
Li Auto ONE advantages
- Engine power (+18%)
- Pulling torque (+34%)
- Affordability (+23%)
Mercedes-Benz CLA advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Li Auto ONE if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Li Auto ONE if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Li Auto ONE delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Li Auto ONE vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: which should you choose?
Li Auto ONE (2020 6-Seater Luxury) — plug-in hybrid suv with 326 hp and 530 Nm, rated at 66.7 km/L, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $45,920 in the China market.
Mercedes-Benz CLA (2026 CLA 250+ Electric) — electric sedan with 268 hp and 350 Nm, rated at 12.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $59,400 in the Germany market.
Li Auto ONE vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: Li Auto ONE is more powerful. Li Auto ONE makes about 22% more power (326 vs 268 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The Li Auto ONE is the more powerful, at 326 hp against 268 hp, with 530 Nm of torque on tap. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Li Auto ONE is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Mercedes-Benz CLA 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Li Auto ONE lists lower at about $45,920 (USD-converted from the China market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Li Auto ONE better than the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Li Auto ONE is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Li Auto ONE makes about 22% more power (326 vs 268 hp).
What is the main difference between the Li Auto ONE and the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Li Auto ONE makes about 22% more power (326 vs 268 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Li Auto ONE delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Li Auto ONE if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Li Auto ONE if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.