Lexus LS 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 LS
From $199,850
Sedan
Petrol
3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol
310kW
10 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
420L
Track the Lexus LS & Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus LS starts from $199,850 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 $94,950.
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 $219,835 and $115,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $3,990 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 LS features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 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 LS stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with panoramic roof and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus LS gets leather accented upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Lexus LS and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LS uses a 3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol producing 310kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5 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 LS has the clear power advantage at 310kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LS is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LS measures 5,235mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 385mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Lexus LS and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Lexus LS a 60L advantage. The Lexus LS seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,850/year for the Lexus LS and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,850 (Lexus LS) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $798 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Lexus LS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LS if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus'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 Lexus LS takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $798 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus LS 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, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LS by $94,950.
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 Lexus LS has the largest boot at 480L.
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 Lexus LS makes the most power at 310kW. The Lexus LS is quickest to 100km/h in 5s.
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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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