A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Suzuki Baleno vs Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé: the short answer
CLE Coupé has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Baleno remains close.
Baleno starts ZAR 1,043,701 cheaperBaleno from ZAR 269,900 · CLE Coupé from ZAR 1,313,601
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Maximum Power
Baleno77 kW
CLE Coupé150 kW
Maximum Torque
Baleno138 Nm
CLE Coupé320 Nm
Engine Size
Baleno1462 cc
CLE Coupé1999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Baleno16.1 km/l
CLE Coupé15.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Baleno0 mm
CLE Coupé120 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Suzuki Baleno
1.5 GLX AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Baleno
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
CLE Coupé
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Baleno
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
CLE Coupé
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current market generation
Current South African CLE Coupé generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Coupé
Facelift History
Current market specification
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Coupe
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Hatchback
Premium coupé
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Coupé
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Length
3990 mm
4850 mm
Width
1745 mm
1861 mm
Height
1500 mm
1428 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
120 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
66 l
Boot/Cargo Space
318 l
420 l
Kerb Weight
940 kg
1910 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1700 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
760 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
950 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1999/L4
Engine Code
K15B/K15C
M254
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1999 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
10.5:1
Bore
73.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
85.0 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
77 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
138 Nm
320 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
320 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
240 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
7.4 sec
Quarter Mile
16.5 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
81.9 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
146.8 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Gearbox
4-speed automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
RWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
4
9
Transmission Type
4-speed automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter / CVT
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
2WD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
4-speed automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
4
9
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Claimed Mileage
16.1 km/l
15.2 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
15.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Real-world Mileage
16.1 km/l
15.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37
66
Combined Driving Range
700
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
650 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
0 km
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Not Applicable
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
AEB
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Yes
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
No
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
No
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
No
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
9
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
9
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
16
19
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
160 g/km
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
312500 ZAR
1313601 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
312500
1450000
Starting Price Zar
312500
1450000
Spec
Baleno
CLE Coupé
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Baleno and CLE Coupé comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Baleno 34 vs CLE Coupé 66.
Efficiency index: Baleno 62 vs CLE Coupé 63.
Safety-equipment index: Baleno 87 vs CLE Coupé 95.
Practicality index: Baleno 50 vs CLE Coupé 55.
Ownership-cover index: Baleno not separately scored vs CLE Coupé not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Baleno and CLE Coupé image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
CLE Coupé leads by 13 points
CLE Coupé has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Baleno remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CLE Coupé
Performance
66/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
55/100
Baleno
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLE Coupé
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 57 pts for Baleno
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLE Coupé leads. However, Baleno may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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