Genesis G80 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.
Genesis G80
From $104,200
Sedan
Petrol
2.5L turbo four-cylinder (T-GDi)
224kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
424L
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
420L
Track the Genesis G80 & Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Genesis G80 starts from $104,200 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class opens at $104,900. That makes the Genesis G80 the more affordable entry point by $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 $114,620 and $115,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Genesis G80 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Genesis G80 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Genesis G80 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis G80 stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Genesis G80 uses a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder (T-GDi) producing 224kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a RWD 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 Genesis G80 has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis G80 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Genesis G80 measures 5,005mm long on a 3,010mm wheelbase, 155mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 424L in the Genesis G80 and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Genesis G80 a 4L advantage. The Genesis G80 seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,565/year for the Genesis G80 and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Genesis G80) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Genesis G80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Genesis G80 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis G80 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $513 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, Genesis G80 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Genesis G80 is the cheapest at $104,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $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 — Genesis G80 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 Genesis G80 has the largest boot at 424L.
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 Genesis G80 makes the most power at 224kW. The Genesis G80 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
Track the cars you're comparing
Sign up free for price-drop alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown covering launches, deals and reviews. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
