Ford Mustang vs Mercedes-Benz CLE
Verdict
The Ford Mustang is the cheaper, stronger coupe at RM461,271, with 313 hp and 432 Nm from 2.3 litres going to the rear wheels. The Mercedes-Benz CLE costs RM518,888 and answers with all-wheel drive, a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time, 250 km/h top speed and a larger 460-litre boot. For a Malaysian buyer, the CLE’s RM380 road tax, AEB and 4-year warranty make it easier to live with; the Mustang’s case is power for less money, albeit with RM641 road tax and no listed AEB.
Pick the Ford Mustang if you want the cheaper rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with the stronger 313 hp/432 Nm engine and can live without listed AEB.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLE if you want all-wheel drive, a listed 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time, 460 litres of boot space and RM380 road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Ford Mustang RM461,271; Mercedes-Benz CLE RM518,888
- Power and torque: Ford Mustang 313 hp/432 Nm; Mercedes-Benz CLE 255 hp/400 Nm
- Engine and battery: Ford Mustang 2,261 cc petrol/no battery; Mercedes-Benz CLE 1,999 cc petrol hybrid/REV/1.0 kWh
- Driven wheels: Ford Mustang rear-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz CLE all-wheel drive
- Size and boot: Ford Mustang 4,784 mm long/408 L; Mercedes-Benz CLE 4,850 mm long/460 L
- Ownership kit: Ford Mustang RM641 road tax/3-year warranty/no listed AEB; Mercedes-Benz CLE RM380 road tax/4-year warranty/AEB
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 461,271✓ | RM 518,888 |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 2,261 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Power | 313 hp✓ | 255 hp |
| Torque | 432 Nm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 6.2 s |
| Top speed | 233 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 9.8 L/100km | — |
| Battery | — | 1.0 kWh |
| CO₂ | 225 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,784 mm | 4,850 mm |
| Width | 1,916 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,371 mm | 1,428 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Boot space | 408 L | 460 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 66 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8✓ | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 3 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 641 | RM 380✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Mustang
- 313 hp and 432 Nm beat the CLE
- RM57,617 lower purchase price
- 8 airbags versus 7 in the CLE
- No listed auto emergency braking
- RM641 yearly road tax is higher
- 408-litre boot trails the CLE’s 460 litres
CLE
- All-wheel drive with a listed 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Bigger 460-litre boot and 2,865 mm wheelbase
- AEB and a 4-year warranty
- Costs RM57,617 more to buy
- Lower outputs at 255 hp and 400 Nm
- 7 airbags versus the Mustang’s 8
Mustang vs CLE FAQ
Is the Ford Mustang or Mercedes-Benz CLE better?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is better for daily use because it has all-wheel drive, AEB, a 460-litre boot, 4-year warranty and RM380 road tax. The Ford Mustang is better if you prioritise 313 hp/432 Nm and a lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE costs RM57,617 more: RM518,888 versus RM461,271 for the Ford Mustang.
Which car has more boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE has the bigger boot at 460 litres. The Ford Mustang has 408 litres, so the CLE gives you 52 litres more luggage capacity.