Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Nissan Z
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 Nissan Z opens at $76,160. That makes the Nissan Z the more affordable entry point by $28,740.
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 $83,776 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $3,275 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 Nissan Z gets a 8-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 Nissan Z. The Nissan Z counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose 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 Nissan Z offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 1-zone in the Nissan Z.
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 Nissan Z responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 475Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 3.7s 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, 470mm longer than the Nissan Z at 4,380mm (2,550mm 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 241L in the Nissan Z, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 144L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class seats 4 vs 2.
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 $2,793/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $655 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $2,793 (Nissan Z). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $655 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 (Nissan Z). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Z if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Z takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $655 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-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 Nissan Z?
The Nissan Z is the cheapest at $76,160 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $28,740.
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 has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the largest boot at 385L.
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 Z makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Z is quickest to 100km/h in 4.3s.
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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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