VS
At a Glance
Power
449kW@6000
190 engine kW
Torque
750Nm@1750
400 Nm
Fuel
16.6L/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
-
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5s
6.6 s
Engine
5998cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Continental and the Mercedes-Benz CLE is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Bentley Continental delivers 449kW@6000 while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 190 engine kW. On fuel, the Continental returns 16.6L/100km while the CLE uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R9 000 000 for the Continental and R1 544 851 for the CLE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
449kW@6000
190 engine kW
Torque
750Nm@1750
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5s
6.6 s
Top Speed
326km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5998cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL W 12
inline
Cylinders
12
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.6L/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
25.3L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11.6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90L
66 l
CO2 Emissions
410g/km
176 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4804mm
4850 mm
Width
1916-2102mm
1861-2042 mm
Height
1380mm
1424 mm
Wheelbase
2745mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
2350kg
1930 DIN / 2005 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
—
295 / 385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
370kg
415 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
FRONT + REAR
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
ENTRY + IGNITION
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
-
—
Service Intervals
16000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLE
4 / 4 categories
Performance
CLE
Fuel Economy
CLE
Value
CLE
Practicality
CLE
Pros & Cons
Bentley Continental
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5ss)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6L/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 544 851)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Continental or CLE?
The Continental uses 16.6L/100km and the CLE uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Continental or CLE?
The Continental produces 449kW@6000 and 750Nm@1750 of torque while the CLE delivers 190 engine kW and 400 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Continental and CLE?
The Continental starts from R9 000 000 and the CLE from R1 544 851. The CLE is cheaper by R7 455 149 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Continental or CLE?
The Continental has a braked towing capacity of 0kg and the CLE can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Continental or the CLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider