Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Denza B8

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Denza B8 opens at $91,000. That makes the Denza B8 the more affordable entry point by $13,900.

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 $100,100 respectively.

The Denza B8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B8 by roughly $7,885 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Denza B8 gets a 17.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Denza B8. The Denza B8 counters with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Denza B8 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 3-zone in the Denza B8.

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 7.4 seconds.

The Denza B8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 425kW and 760Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 2.6s 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, 345mm shorter than the Denza B8 at 5,195mm (2,920mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 147L in the Denza B8, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 273L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 4.

For towing, the Denza B8 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $475/year for the Denza B8. That is a $1,577 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.

Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $475 (Denza B8). The Denza B8 saves you roughly $1,577 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 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.