Mercedes-Benz is a popular luxury brand in South Africa with a vast model range available to local buyers. What are the 5 cheapest Mercedes-Benz cars you can buy in South Africa right now? Let’s take a closer look!
Are you shopping for the cheapest Mercedes-Benz cars in South Africa? Mercedes-Benz is a sought-after luxury car brand and the German marque has a wide range of vehicles on sale in South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz rivals other luxury brands such as BMW and Audi. The local range includes hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs, SUVs, high-performance AMG models, ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach models and a growing range of EQ electric cars.
However, with new car prices skyrocketing and household budgets under pressure, buying a Mercedes-Benz, or any luxury car for that matter, is a pricey affair.
Also see:
5 Cheapest Audi Cars in South Africa
5 Cheapest BMW Cars in South Africa
Nonetheless, if you want the prestige of driving a car with the famed three-pointed star on the nose for the least amount of money possible then consider these 5 cheapest Mercedes Benz cars below.
Note that pricing is accurate as of April 2025.
5 Cheapest Mercedes Benz Cars in South Africa
1. Mercedes-Benz A-Class – From R813 124
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the entry point into the luxury brand.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is offered as a hatchback or sedan in either Progressive or AMG Line trim. The A-Class range is powered by a 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine with 130 kW and 270 Nm (A200) or buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (A200d) with 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque.
For buyers seeking potent performance, the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic and the A45 S 4Matic+ hatchbacks are available with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine producing 235 kW / 400 Nm and 310 kW and 500 Nm respectively. The Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Sedan uses the same engine as its A35 hatchback sibling, all paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
See specifications and pricing details for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz A-Class on Cars.co.za
2. Mercedes-Benz GLA – From R898 603
If you’re looking for the cheapest Mercedes-Benz SUV, look to the GLA.
Offered in both petrol and diesel guise, the GLA can be had in either Progressive or AMG Line trim. The GLA 200 is powered by the familiar 120 kW / 250 Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel engine is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit delivering 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
See specifications and pricing for the Mercedes-Benz GLA
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLA on Cars.co.za
3. Mercedes-Benz CLA – From R905 156
Interestingly, when the first generation CLA came to market back in 2013, pricing started from R348 700! Those days are long gone and the facelifted second-generation CLA is now priced from R905 156.
Offered in either Progressive or AMG Line trim, the CLA range starts with the CLA200 powered by a 120 kW / 250 Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is also available with 140 kW and 400 Nm but is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The high-performance AMG CLA35 4Matic and the CLA45 S 4Matic+ tops the range with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivering outputs of 225 kW / 400 Nm and 310 kW and 500 Nm respectively, both paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
See specifications and pricing details for the Mercedes-Benz CLA
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLA on Cars.co.za
4. Mercedes-Benz Vito – From R907 212
The cheapest Mercedes-Benz in South Africa is the Vito Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). The Vito is available in 3 body styles including the Panel Van, Mixto CrewCab and the Tourer people mover.
There are 4 engine choices on offer including an 84 kW / 270 Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine (111), a 100 kW / 330 Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine (114), a 120 kW / 380 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (116) and the range-topping 140 kW / 440 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Manual and automatic transmissions are also on offer.
Also see: What To Buy: Best Used MPVs for under R500k
See specifications and pricing details for the Mercedes-Benz Vito
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz Vito on Cars.co.za
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – From R1 021 492
The locally-assembled C-Class is one of Merc’s most popular models and the latest W206 generation is an impressive product.
The C-Class can be had in petrol and diesel guise (with 48V mild-hybrid technology) with the C200 powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The diesel C220d has a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 147 kW and 450 Nm of torque and is mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between Avantgarde and AMG Line trim.
Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line
The C-Class range is headlined by the 500 kW AMG C63 S E Performance but the AMG C43 4Matic is also available with its mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol powertrain delivering 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Read our review of the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic
See specifications and pricing for the Mercedes-Benz Class range
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class on Cars.co.za
