Lotus Emira 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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 1 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Lotus Emira: we're still completing price, turning circle, braked towing and CO2 emissions.
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.
No price
- no option data for this car
$104,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Lotus Emira & 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.
Recalls on our record
Lotus Emira
- REC-005857 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver and passenger side A-pillar trims may have been fitted incorrectly.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005856 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a software issue, the windscreen wipers may operate at half the required speed.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005855 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a defect during assembly, the driver and passenger's seatbelt locking mechanism may engage at the incorrect point.Year range on the notice: 2022
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Lotus Emira features a 10.3-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 Lotus Emira stands out with heated front seats and KEF audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lotus Emira gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Emira uses a Supercharged petrol producing 298kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 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 Lotus Emira has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lotus Emira is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lotus Emira measures 4,413mm long on a 2,575mm wheelbase, 437mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 151L in the Lotus Emira and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 269L advantage.
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 $2,907/year for the Lotus Emira and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Emira if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 55
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 55), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class ahead by 35), performance (Lotus Emira ahead by 32), fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class ahead by 27). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lotus Emira 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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Lotus Emira, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the largest boot at 420L with the seats up.
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 Lotus Emira makes the most power at 298kW. The Lotus Emira is quickest to 100km/h in 4.1s.
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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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