Verdict
The RM203,000 gap is substantial: the CLS costs RM570,888, but brings 299 hp, 400 Nm and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time against the E-Class’ 201 hp, 320 Nm and 7.5 seconds. The E-Class is the more rational Malaysian executive sedan at RM367,888, with a 540-litre boot, 2,961-mm wheelbase, adaptive cruise control and a four-year warranty. Its 23-hp motor is stronger than the CLS’ 14-hp unit, yet the CLS remains the clear choice for outright petrol performance and a 13-speaker Burmester system.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLS if 299 hp, 400 Nm, 6.0-second acceleration and the 13-speaker Burmester audio matter more than a RM203,000 saving.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you want the RM367,888 price, 540-litre boot, longer 2,961-mm wheelbase and stronger driver-assistance kit.
Key differences
- Price: CLS RM570,888; E-Class RM367,888.
- Output: CLS 299 hp and 400 Nm; E-Class 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: CLS 6.0 seconds; E-Class 7.5 seconds.
- Boot space: CLS 490 litres; E-Class 540 litres.
- Wheelbase: CLS 2,939 mm; E-Class 2,961 mm.
- Manufacturer warranty: CLS two years; E-Class four years.
CLS
- 299 hp and 400 Nm
- 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- 13-speaker, 590-watt Burmester audio
- Costs RM203,000 more
- Smaller 490-litre boot versus 540 litres
- Only lane-keeping warning, where the E-Class adds steering correction
E-Class
- RM367,888 price
- 540-litre boot and 2,961-mm wheelbase
- Adaptive cruise control and four-year warranty
- 201 hp and 320 Nm trail the CLS’ 299 hp and 400 Nm
- 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.5 seconds slower
- Seven-speaker audio versus the CLS’ 13-speaker Burmester system
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM570,888 | RM367,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM376✓ | RM380 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing, 48V Electric Motor Assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,991 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 299 hp✓ | 201 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 320 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 14 hp | 23 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 150 Nm | 205 Nm✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-TRONIC | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 9 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | Daimler AG |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 7.5 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.1 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 240 km/h |
| Co2 | 184 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,988 mm | 4,949 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,880 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,939 mm | 2,961 mm |
| Weight | 1,775 kg | 1,825 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 66 litres | 66 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 540 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | 245/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R19 | 275/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Agility Control with Selective Damping System | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Active Brake Assist | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Auto High Beam | Reflector LED with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 colours) | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Twin Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors, Powered Rear Sunshade | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 12.3" COMAND Online with Touchpad, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and 13-speaker, 590 watt Burmester Audio System | 14.4" MBUX Multimedia with Online Music Streaming, AI functionality built-in, Seven Speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot, with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360 camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 2 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 CLS & E-Class for sale
CLS vs E-Class FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS or Mercedes-Benz E-Class better?
The E-Class is the better all-round buy for its RM367,888 price, 540-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and four-year warranty. Choose the CLS only if its 299 hp, 400 Nm and 6.0-second sprint justify the RM203,000 premium.
What is the price difference?
The CLS costs RM570,888 and the E-Class costs RM367,888, so the CLS carries a RM203,000 premium.
Which has more luggage space and a longer warranty?
The E-Class has the larger 540-litre boot, 50 litres more than the CLS’ 490 litres, and a four-year manufacturer warranty versus two years for the CLS.