Mercedes-Benz CLE vs Subaru BRZ
Verdict
At RM518,888, the Mercedes-Benz CLE costs RM269,643 more than the RM249,245 Subaru BRZ, but it buys a very different coupe: 400 Nm versus 250 Nm, all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, a 460-litre boot instead of 226 litres and AEB where the Subaru has none listed. The BRZ is hardly slower, though, with 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds against 6.2 seconds, and its manual gearbox makes it the purer driver’s choice.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLE if you want the quicker, torquier, more practical coupe with all-wheel drive, AEB and a far larger boot.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want a cheaper rear-wheel-drive coupe with a manual gearbox and nearly identical 0-100 km/h pace.
Key differences
- Power and torque: Mercedes-Benz CLE 255 hp/400 Nm; Subaru BRZ 234 hp/250 Nm
- Drivetrain and gearbox: Mercedes-Benz CLE all-wheel drive/conventional automatic; Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive/manual
- Acceleration and top speed: Mercedes-Benz CLE 0-100 km/h in 6.2 s/250 km/h; Subaru BRZ 6.3 s/226 km/h
- Size: Mercedes-Benz CLE 4,850 mm long/2,865 mm wheelbase; Subaru BRZ 4,265 mm long/2,575 mm wheelbase
- Boot and tank: Mercedes-Benz CLE 460 L/66 L; Subaru BRZ 226 L/50 L
- Warranty and road tax: Mercedes-Benz CLE 4 years/RM380 yearly; Subaru BRZ 5 years/RM767 yearly
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 518,888 | RM 249,245✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Sports Car |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,999 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Power | 255 hp✓ | 234 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s✓ | 6.3 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h✓ | 226 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 1.0 kWh | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,850 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,428 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Boot space | 460 L✓ | 226 L |
| Fuel tank | 66 L | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 380✓ | RM 767 |
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.
CLE
- Strong 400 Nm torque output
- 460-litre boot is much larger
- AEB is fitted
- Much higher purchase price
- Shorter 4-year warranty
- No manual gearbox
BRZ
- Manual gearbox with rear-wheel drive
- Almost as quick to 100 km/h
- Longer 5-year warranty
- Only 226 litres of boot space
- AEB is not listed
- Higher RM767 yearly road tax
CLE vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE or Subaru BRZ better?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the better all-round coupe thanks to more torque, all-wheel drive, AEB and double the boot space. The Subaru BRZ is better if you care more about a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and a much lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE costs RM269,643 more than the Subaru BRZ. That gap buys 400 Nm torque, all-wheel drive, a 460-litre boot and AEB, but not a meaningful 0-100 km/h advantage.
Which one is quicker?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is fractionally quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds versus the Subaru BRZ’s 6.3 seconds. It also has the higher top speed at 250 km/h against 226 km/h.