VS
At a Glance
Power
347 kW
174 kW
Torque
600 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
9.7 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
4.2 s
6.3 s
Engine
2999 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG CLE and the Toyota GR86 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-AMG CLE delivers 347 kW while the Toyota GR86 produces 174 kW. On fuel, the CLE returns 9.7 l/100km while the GR86 uses 9.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 090 834 for the CLE and R900 700 for the GR86. 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
347 kW
174 kW
Torque
600 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
4.2 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
226 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.7 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
217 g/km
217 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4853 mm
4265 mm
Width
1935-2042 mm
1480-1775 mm
Height
1434 mm
1310 mm
Wheelbase
2875 mm
2575 mm
Ground Clearance
—
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
1298 Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
410 l
226 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
-
Load Capacity
420 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
7
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota GR86
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CLE
Fuel Economy
GR86
Value
GR86
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG CLE
More powerful engine (347 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota GR86
Better fuel economy (9.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R900 700)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (174 kW vs 347 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CLE or GR86?
The CLE uses 9.7 l/100km and the GR86 uses 9.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GR86 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 CLE or GR86?
The CLE produces 347 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the GR86 delivers 174 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The CLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CLE and GR86?
The CLE starts from R2 090 834 and the GR86 from R900 700. The GR86 is cheaper by R1 190 134 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CLE or GR86?
The CLE has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the GR86 can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CLE or the GR86?
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