Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $57,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $47,000.
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 $63,690 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $1,425 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 paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is 0.2s 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, 162mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,688mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 75L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $285 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 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $47,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/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 has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 460L.
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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class makes the most power at 150kW. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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