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.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet vs Lexus LX: the short answer
LX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLE Cabriolet remains close.
CLE Cabriolet starts ZAR 1,213,900 cheaperCLE Cabriolet from ZAR 1,473,600 · LX from ZAR 2,687,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Maximum Power
CLE Cabriolet150 kW
LX225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLE Cabriolet320 Nm
LX700 Nm
Engine Size
CLE Cabriolet1999 cc
LX3300 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLE Cabriolet14.3 km/l
LX11.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLE Cabriolet120 mm
LX205 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
CLE 200 Cabriolet
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)
CLE Cabriolet
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
LX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLE Cabriolet
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
LX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Model Introduced Year
2026
2022
Generation
Current South African CLE Cabriolet generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Cabriolet
Fourth-generation Lexus LX flagship body-on-frame SUV
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
Convertible
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
published
Segment
Luxury convertible
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
Convertible
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
2670 kg
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Length
4850 mm
5090 mm
Width
1861 mm
1990 mm
Height
1424 mm
1895 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
120 mm
205 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
110 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
1109 l
Kerb Weight
2050 kg
2670 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
3280 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
610 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Engine
1999/L4
3.3-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
M254
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1999 cc
3300 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
92.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW
225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
700 Nm
Combined Power
150 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
320 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
236 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
84.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
262.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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
No
Not Applicable
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic 10-speed
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
AWD
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
-
Number of Gears
9
10
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic 10-speed
Clutch Type
Torque converter
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
No
Permanent all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic 10-speed
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
9
10
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
11.9 km/l
City Mileage
14.3 km/l
9.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.3 km/l
13.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
110 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
-
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
11.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
110
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Airbags
7
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Hill Descent Control
No
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard Rear door
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Knee Airbag
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Alarm System
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Intermittent,Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Semi-Aniline Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only,Rear Row 1
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Standard Front + Rear Row 1
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
4 Spoke/ Leather + Heated
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
40:20:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Driver + Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Driver + Passenger Power
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Semi-Aniline Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver + Passenger Power
Folding Rear Seats
-
40:20:40 -
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard 8
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 4-way,Power/ Passenger 4-way
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Power Windows
Yes
All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Standard Smart Entry + Panic
Push Button Start
Yes
Push Start + fingerprint
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard Front x1
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Moonroof
Electric Tailgate
No
Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
Standard 25
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Standard 3PCs
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Navigation System
-
Standard/ Touch Screen,EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Audio Speakers
13
Standard 25
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 3PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
-
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Manganese Luster, Terrane Khaki
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
21.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
22.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Standard
Locking Differential
No
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
4WD System Type
No
Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
21.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
22.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max
-
205 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
205 mm
Crawl Control
-
Standard
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
F:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT / R:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Full 265-50R22 AluminiumFSPORT
Wheel Rim Size
19
22
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electric
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Double Wishbone with Active Height Control -
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multilink with Active Height Control -
Front Track Width
-
1675 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1675 mm
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
CO2 Emissions
175 g/km
222 g/km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 10,000km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
1473600 ZAR
2687500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Flagship
Starting Price
1600000
2687500
Starting Price Zar
1600000
2687500
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
LX
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
7 years / 100,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLE Cabriolet and LX 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: CLE Cabriolet 65 vs LX 98.
Efficiency index: CLE Cabriolet 60 vs LX 47.
Safety-equipment index: CLE Cabriolet 95 vs LX 93.
Practicality index: CLE Cabriolet 53 vs LX 84.
Ownership-cover index: CLE Cabriolet not separately scored vs LX 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
CLE Cabriolet and LX 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
LX leads by 14 points
LX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CLE Cabriolet remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
LX
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
84/100
CLE Cabriolet
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
53/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus LX
leads the specification evidence index with 83 pts
vs 69 pts for CLE Cabriolet
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, LX leads. However, CLE Cabriolet 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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