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.
Data checked: specs 25 Jun 2026, price 4 Oct 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.
$104,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$76,800RRP
- 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 Z opens at $76,800. That makes the Nissan Z the more affordable entry point by $28,100.
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 $84,480 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by roughly $5,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Nissan Z. 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 Z
- REC-006154 · published 31 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the wiring harness behind the front bumper may have been routed incorrectly.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005809 · published 2 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the mounting screws on the left-hand side front bumper reinforcement bracket may not have been tightened sufficiently.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
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 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 — features our data doesn't list for 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 7.4 seconds.
The Nissan Z responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 475Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Nissan Z is 2.8s 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 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 241L in the Nissan Z, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 179L 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
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 $3,078/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $1,026 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
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
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 59, but the Nissan Z is $28,100 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 59), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class ahead by 33), safety (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class ahead by 31), performance (Nissan Z ahead by 19). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $1,026 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 $76,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $28,100.
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 (tested 2025). ANCAP's published ratings include no record for Nissan Z, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the largest boot at 420L with the seats up.
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 4.6s.
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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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