Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Lexus RX
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 30 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.
$104,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$93,550RRP
- 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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class & Lexus RX
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $93,550. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $11,350.
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 $102,905 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 90% for the Lexus RX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, against 6 on the Lexus RX.
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 8 in the Lexus RX.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
Lexus RX
- REC-006213 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a manufacturing defect in the Adaptive High Beam System cracks may develop over time resulting in the LED reflector detaching from the reflector motor inside the headlamp assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005374 · published 6 Apr 2020The fuel pump on affected vehicles may stop operating.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2019
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with panoramic roof and Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio. 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 7.4 seconds.
The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is 0.5s quicker. 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, 40mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 192L advantage. The Lexus RX seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.8m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus RX: Top CarSorted Score, 78 vs 71
The Lexus RX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (78 vs 71), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus RX ahead by 16), practicality (Lexus RX ahead by 15), value (Lexus RX ahead by 8). The Lexus RX will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX 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, Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $93,550 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $11,350.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L with the seats up (1,678L with the seats folded).
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 RX makes the most power at 184kW. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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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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