VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
190 engine kW
Torque
930 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
10.3 combined l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
6.6 s
Engine
3996 cc
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 500 kW while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 190 engine kW. On fuel, the Continental returns 10.3 combined l/100km while the CLE uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R5 269 000 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
500 kW
190 engine kW
Torque
930 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
6.6 s
Top Speed
270 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.3 combined l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 litre + 25.9 kWh l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
93 combined g/km
176 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4895 mm
4850 mm
Width
1966-2187 mm
1861-2042 mm
Height
1397 mm
1424 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
2459 EU Kg
1930 DIN / 2005 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
260 l
295 / 385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
415 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLE
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Continental
Fuel Economy
CLE
Value
CLE
Practicality
CLE
Pros & Cons
Bentley Continental
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.3 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 544 851)
Less power than rival (190 engine kW vs 500 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Continental or CLE?
The Continental uses 10.3 combined l/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 500 kW and 930 Nm of torque while the CLE delivers 190 engine kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Continental is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Continental and CLE?
The Continental starts from R5 269 000 and the CLE from R1 544 851. The CLE is cheaper by R3 724 149 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 not specified 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