Lexus ES 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.
Lexus ES
From $65,540
Sedan
Hybrid
Hybrid
160kW
4.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
454L
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 Lexus ES starts from $65,540 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class opens at $104,900. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $39,360.
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 $72,094 and $115,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
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 Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 Lexus ES stands out with Apple CarPlay and heated front 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 Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 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 Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 125mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 454L in the Lexus ES and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Lexus ES a 34L advantage. The Lexus ES 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 $1,368/year for the Lexus ES and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Lexus ES) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus ES takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $39,360.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/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 Lexus ES has the largest boot at 454L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus ES makes the most power at 160kW. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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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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