Verdict
The RM722,888 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE costs RM426,888 more than the RM296,000 Toyota GR86, and its 443 hp, 650 Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre hybrid-assisted powertrain reaches 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds against 6.3 seconds. It is also the more practical coupe, with a 420-litre boot versus 226 litres, rear air vents and a 360-degree camera. The Toyota counters with a six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, 1,291 kg weight and a five-year warranty. For Malaysian buyers, the Mercedes delivers far greater pace and equipment; the GR86 keeps the mechanical driving experience simple.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE if you want 443 hp, all-wheel drive, a 420-litre boot and extensive driver assistance in a coupe.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if you want a 1,291-kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual and a far lower entry price.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE RM722,888; Toyota GR86 RM296,000
- Power and torque: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 443 hp and 650 Nm; Toyota GR86 234 hp and 250 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 4.2 seconds; Toyota GR86 6.3 seconds
- Weight: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 2,000 kg; Toyota GR86 1,291 kg
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 420 litres; Toyota GR86 226 litres
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 2 years with unlimited mileage; Toyota GR86 5 years or 150,000 km
AMG CLE
- 443 hp, 650 Nm and a 4.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- 420-litre boot and 50:50 split-folding rear seats
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and 360-degree camera
- RM426,888 more expensive
- Two-year warranty versus the GR86's five years
- 709 kg heavier
GR86
- Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive and rear limited-slip differential
- 709 kg lighter than the AMG CLE
- Five-year/150,000-km warranty and full-size spare tyre
- 234 hp and 250 Nm trail the AMG CLE's 443 hp and 650 Nm
- 226-litre boot is 194 litres smaller
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM722,888 | RM296,000✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, Turbochaged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with 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 | — |
| Battery Capacity | 1 kWh | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 9 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| 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 | 1,291 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 | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 7 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control Suspension with Adaptive Dampers | Rear Limited Slip Differential |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Light Matrix LEDs | LED Headlamps |
| 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 | Foldable |
| 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, 2 Front USB |
| 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" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Driver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| 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 | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 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 | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,128 | RM767✓ |
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 & GR86 for sale
AMG CLE vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE or Toyota GR86 better?
The AMG CLE is better for outright performance, cabin technology, safety assistance and luggage space. The GR86 is the better fit if a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, lower weight and a five-year warranty matter more than pace and equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE costs RM426,888 more than the Toyota GR86.
Which coupe is more practical for four occupants?
The AMG CLE is more practical, with a 420-litre boot, 50:50 split-folding rear seats, rear air vents and two rear USB-C ports. The GR86 has a 226-litre boot, foldable rear seats and no rear air vents.