Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs BMW X3
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $18,800.
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 $94,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X3 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 93% for the BMW X3.
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 5 in the BMW X3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 6 in the BMW X3.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. 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 BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 2.0s 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, 95mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 185L advantage. The BMW X3 seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.1m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 $1,938/year for the BMW X3. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $1,938 (BMW X3). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $200 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 (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X3 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X3 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 BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $18,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and BMW X3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X3 has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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