Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi A6
From $123,600
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
180kW
7.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
530L
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
420L
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Price Breakdown
The Audi A6 starts from $123,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class opens at $104,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class the more affordable entry point by $18,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $135,960 and $115,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A6 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A6 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A6 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A6 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Drivetrain
The Audi A6 uses a Petrol producing 180kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Audi A6 has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A6 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A6 measures 4,939mm long on a 2,924mm wheelbase, 89mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Audi A6 and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Audi A6 a 110L advantage. The Audi A6 seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Audi A6 and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Audi A6) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A6 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi A6 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A6 by $18,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A6 has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A6 makes the most power at 180kW. The Audi A6 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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