Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Ford F-150
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Coupe
Petrol
150kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
385L
Ford F-150
From $106,950
Pick-up
Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost)
298kW
13.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford F-150 opens at $106,950. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class the more affordable entry point by $2,050.
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 $117,645 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $8,405 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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Ford F-150 gets a 8-inch display and 8-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 Ford F-150. The Ford F-150 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Ford F-150 responds with a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) making 298kW and 678Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford F-150 has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 1058mm shorter than the Ford F-150 at 5,908mm (3,697mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford F-150 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 2,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $3,819/year for the Ford F-150. That is a $1,681 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $3,819 (Ford F-150). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $1,681 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 (Ford F-150). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Ford F-150 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $1,681 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Ford F-150?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford F-150 by $2,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses the least fuel at 7.5L/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 can tow the most?
The Ford F-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford F-150 makes the most power at 298kW.
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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