Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Lexus RX
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 Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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 $93,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 90% for the Lexus RX.
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 Lexus RX.
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 8 in the Lexus RX.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound 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 Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.3s 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, 40mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm 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 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 227L advantage. The Lexus RX seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 11.8m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $171 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 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RX takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $84,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $20,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RX makes the most power at 179kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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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