Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Audi Q7

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q7 opens at $102,296. That makes the Audi Q7 the more affordable entry point by $2,604.

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 $115,390 and $112,526 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Audi Q7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 92% for the Audi Q7.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q7 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. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 7 in the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class misses.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q7 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with wireless charging and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

The Audi Q7 responds with a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging making 185kW and 370Nm, paired to a 8-speed tiptronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Audi Q7 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q7 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 202mm shorter than the Audi Q7 at 5,052mm (2,994mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q7 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 740L in the Audi Q7, giving the Audi Q7 a 355L advantage. The Audi Q7 seats 7 vs 4.

For towing, the Audi Q7 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $2,622/year for the Audi Q7. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $2,622 (Audi Q7). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7). Both match on warranty length.