Mercedes-Benz CLE vs Toyota GR86
Verdict
These two coupes are separated more by intent than pace. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is only 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h, at 6.2 seconds versus 6.3, but it brings 400 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 460-litre boot and lower RM380 road tax. The Toyota GR86 is much cheaper, has a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, but gives up luggage space, torque and top speed. For a Malaysian buyer, the CLE is the easier grand tourer; the GR86 is the purer driver’s car.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLE if you want the faster, roomier coupe with all-wheel drive, 460 litres of boot space and auto emergency braking.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if you want a cheaper rear-wheel-drive coupe with a manual gearbox and a longer five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: RM 518,888 vs RM 296,000
- Power and torque: 255 hp/400 Nm vs 234 hp/250 Nm
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive vs rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: conventional automatic vs manual
- Boot space: 460 litres vs 226 litres
- Road tax: RM380 per year vs RM767 per year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 518,888 | RM 296,000✓ |
| 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
- Stronger 400 Nm torque output
- Bigger 460-litre boot
- Lower RM380 annual road tax
- RM222,888 more expensive
- Shorter four-year warranty
- Automatic only
GR86
- Manual gearbox
- Rear-wheel drive layout
- Longer five-year warranty
- Much smaller 226-litre boot
- Higher RM767 annual road tax
- Lower 226 km/h top speed
CLE vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE or Toyota GR86 better?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is better for comfort-biased use, space and straight-line numbers. The Toyota GR86 is better if you prioritise a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and a lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE costs RM222,888 more than the Toyota GR86, based on RM518,888 versus RM296,000.
Which coupe is quicker?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is marginally quicker: 0-100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds, compared with 6.3 seconds for the Toyota GR86. The CLE also has a higher 250 km/h top speed versus 226 km/h.