BMW i8 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes 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 i8
Price TBC
Coupe
Premium unleaded petrol (plug-in hybrid)
Plug-in Hybrid
266kW
2.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
420L
BMW i8: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 8 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the BMW i8 & Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW i8 stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i8 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 266kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (rear engine) + 2-speed automatic (front electric motor) to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 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 BMW i8 has the clear power advantage at 266kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW i8 is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $599/year for the BMW i8 and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $1,453 annual difference in favour of the BMW i8.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i8 takes 3 of 3 key spec categories. The BMW i8 will save you roughly $1,453 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i8 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW i8 uses the least fuel at 2.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i8 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i8 makes the most power at 266kW. The BMW i8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.4s.
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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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