VS
At a Glance
Power
150 engine kW
190 kW
Torque
320 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
—
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.9 s
5.9 s
Engine
1999 cc
electric 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 190 kW. Pricing starts at R1 485 521 for the CLE and R994 200 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
190 kW
Torque
320 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9 s
5.9 s
Top Speed
236 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
—
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
49.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
166 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
3858 mm
Width
1861-2042 mm
1756-1967 mm
Height
1424 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2526 mm
Kerb Weight
1850 DIN / 1925 EU Kg
1650 DIN / 1725 EU Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
295 / 385 l
210-800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
435 l
455 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)
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
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 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MINI Cooper
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Cooper
Practicality
CLE
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 190 kW)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
More powerful engine (190 kW)
Lower starting price (R994 200)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the CLE or Cooper?
The CLE produces 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 190 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Cooper 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 R994 200. The Cooper is cheaper by R491 321 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 0 Kg. 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.