Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE costs RM722,888, RM473,643 more than the RM249,245 Subaru BRZ, and that buys a very different brief: 443 hp, 560 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 4.2-second 0-100 km/h time against 234 hp, 250 Nm, rear-wheel drive and 6.3 seconds. It is also far larger, with a 420-litre boot versus 226 litres, plus stronger driver-assistance and cabin equipment. The BRZ counters with a six-speed manual, 711 kg less weight and annual road tax of RM767 rather than RM2,128. Choose by priorities, not badge: comfort and pace favour the CLE; a lower-cost manual coupe points to the BRZ.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE if you want 443 hp, all-wheel drive, a 420-litre boot and comprehensive assistance systems despite the RM722,888 price.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if a 1,289 kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual and RM249,245 entry price is the point.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE RM722,888; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- Power and torque: AMG CLE 443 hp and 560 Nm; BRZ 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: AMG CLE 4.2 seconds and 250 km/h; BRZ 6.3 seconds and 226 km/h.
- Driveline and gearbox: AMG CLE all-wheel drive with nine-speed dual-clutch automatic; BRZ rear-wheel drive with six-speed manual.
- Kerb weight: AMG CLE 2,000 kg; BRZ 1,289 kg.
- Boot space: AMG CLE 420 litres; BRZ 226 litres.
AMG CLE
- 443 hp and 560 Nm, with 4.2-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- 420-litre boot and 2,875 mm wheelbase.
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and 360-degree camera.
- RM473,643 dearer to buy.
- Annual road tax is RM2,128 versus RM767.
- At 2,000 kg, it is 711 kg heavier than the BRZ.
BRZ
- RM249,245 price and RM767 annual road tax.
- 1,289 kg kerb weight with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual.
- Five-year/100,000 km warranty versus two years with unlimited mileage.
- 234 hp and 250 Nm trail the AMG CLE's 443 hp and 560 Nm.
- 226-litre boot is 194 litres smaller.
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM722,888 | RM249,245✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,128 | RM767✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, Turbochaged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 443 hp✓ | 234 hp |
| Torque | 560 Nm✓ | 250 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 20 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 9 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.2 seconds✓ | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 226 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,853 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 2,042 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,434 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,875 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 2,000 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres✓ | 226 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/35R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 295/30R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 7 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control Suspension with Adaptive Dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Light Matrix LEDs | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 50:50 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
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.
Used AMG CLE & BRZ for sale
AMG CLE vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE or Subaru BRZ better?
The AMG CLE is better for outright pace, space and assistance equipment: it has 443 hp, all-wheel drive, a 420-litre boot and autonomous braking. The BRZ is the better fit if you specifically want a lighter 1,289 kg rear-wheel-drive manual coupe at RM249,245.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE costs RM722,888 and the Subaru BRZ costs RM249,245, so the gap is RM473,643. Annual road tax also differs sharply: RM2,128 for the CLE and RM767 for the BRZ.
Which coupe has more practical cabin equipment?
The AMG CLE has the stronger equipment list, including powered memory front seats, rear air-con vents, a 15-speaker Burmester system, head-up display, powered boot and 360-degree camera. The BRZ has manual front-seat adjustment, no rear vents, eight speakers and a reverse camera.