Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Nissan GT-R
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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer 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.
Nissan GT-R: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 6 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$104,900RRP
- with the Nissan GT-R's standard kit: $104,900 (nothing to add)
$168,800RRP
- 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Nissan GT-R opens at $168,800. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class the more affordable entry point by $63,900.
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 $185,680 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $6,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Nissan GT-R. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
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
Nissan GT-R
- REC-001673 · published 27 Jul 2021The front steering knuckle and/or rear axle housing may not meet design specification and may deform under pressure.Year range on the notice: 2020
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
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 — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan GT-R. 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 Nissan GT-R responds with a Petrol making 390kW and 612Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (gvg '6 spd auto'); release: revised 'r mode' and magnesium paddle shift driving all four wheels.
The Nissan GT-R has the clear power advantage at 390kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $3,392/year for the Nissan GT-R. That is a $1,340 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
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 Nissan GT-R if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (71 vs 34). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Nissan GT-R trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $1,340 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 Nissan GT-R?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan GT-R by $63,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We hold no ANCAP data for Nissan GT-R, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
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 Nissan GT-R makes the most power at 390kW.
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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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