BMW 5 Series 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.
BMW 5 Series
From $114,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
140kW
6.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
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 BMW 5 Series starts from $114,900 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 $10,000.
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 $126,390 and $115,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW 5 Series and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 5 Series and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 5 Series features a 14.9-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 BMW 5 Series stands out with heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 5 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 5 Series uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 5 Series is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 5 Series measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 210mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the BMW 5 Series and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the BMW 5 Series a 100L advantage. The BMW 5 Series seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the BMW 5 Series leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg 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 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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 $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (BMW 5 Series) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The BMW 5 Series saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The BMW 5 Series will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 5 Series 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, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 5 Series by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 5 Series uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 5 Series and 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 BMW 5 Series has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 5 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class makes the most power at 150kW. The BMW 5 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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