VS
At a Glance
Power
150 engine kW
120 kW
Torque
320 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.9 s
8.2 s
Engine
1999 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz CLE and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz CLE delivers 150 engine kW while the MINI Cooper produces 120 kW. On fuel, the CLE returns 7.3 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 485 521 for the CLE and R696 402 for the Cooper. 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
150 engine kW
120 kW
Torque
320 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9 s
8.2 s
Top Speed
236 Km/h
220 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
7
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
166 g/km
151 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
3879 mm
Width
1861-2042 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1424 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2495 mm
Kerb Weight
1850 DIN / 1925 EU Kg
1375 DIN / 1450 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
295 / 385 l
215-440-665 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
435 l
430 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CLE
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Cooper
Practicality
CLE
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz CLE
More powerful engine (150 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (6.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R696 402)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 150 engine kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CLE or Cooper?
The CLE uses 7.3 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cooper is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CLE or Cooper?
The CLE produces 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The CLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CLE and Cooper?
The CLE starts from R1 485 521 and the Cooper from R696 402. The Cooper is cheaper by R789 119 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CLE or Cooper?
The CLE has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the Cooper can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CLE or the Cooper?
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.