Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Volkswagen Passat CC
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.
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
420L
Reference image · overseas modelVolkswagen Passat CC
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
3.6-litre V6 FSI direct-injection petrol
220kW
9.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
532L
Volkswagen Passat CC: we're still completing price, kerb weight, warranty and ground clearance.
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
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 Volkswagen Passat CC. 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 Volkswagen Passat CC responds with a 3.6-litre V6 FSI direct-injection petrol making 220kW and 350Nm, paired to a 6-speed dsg dual-clutch automatic, 4motion all-wheel drive driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat CC has the clear power advantage at 220kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volkswagen Passat CC is 1.8s 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, 51mm longer than the Volkswagen Passat CC at 4,799mm (2,711mm 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 532L in the Volkswagen Passat CC, giving the Volkswagen Passat CC a 112L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m 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 $2,765/year for the Volkswagen Passat CC. That is a $713 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Passat CC if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Passat CC takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $713 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Passat CC 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 Volkswagen Passat CC?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs.
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?
None of Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Volkswagen Passat CC carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Passat CC has the largest boot at 532L.
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 Volkswagen Passat CC makes the most power at 220kW. The Volkswagen Passat CC is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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