Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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
150kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
385L
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Hybrid
500kW
6.9 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
359L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance opens at $189,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class the more affordable entry point by $85,000.
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 $208,890 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by roughly $9,035 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance counters with heated front seats and ventilated seats. 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 AMG C63 S E Performance responds with a Hybrid making 500kW and 1020Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is 4.6s 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, 8mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance at 4,842mm (2,865mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 359L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 26L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance seats 5 vs 4.
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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $331/year for the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. That is a $1,807 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $331 (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance saves you roughly $1,807 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 AMG C63 S E Performance). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance will save you roughly $1,807 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 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the cheapest at $104,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by $85,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance 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 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance makes the most power at 500kW. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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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