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.
5.0L V8 Dark Horse 10ATPetrol10-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 1,545,000ex-showroom
⚡ 334 kW🔧 540 Nm⛽ 12.8 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé vs Ford Mustang: the short answer
CLE Coupé and Mustang are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Mustang starts ZAR 323,701 cheaperCLE Coupé from ZAR 1,313,601 · Mustang from ZAR 989,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Maximum Power
CLE Coupé150 kW
Mustang334 kW @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLE Coupé320 Nm
Mustang540 Nm @ 5100 rpm
Engine Size
CLE Coupé1999 cc
Mustang5038 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLE Coupé15.2 km/l
Mustang12.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLE Coupé120 mm
Mustang143 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 Coupé
CLE 200 Coupé
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 Coupé
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Mustang
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLE Coupé
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Mustang
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Model Introduced Year
2026
2016
Generation
Current South African CLE Coupé generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Coupé
Seventh generation Mustang with S650 platform
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Latest generation introduced with improved tech and design
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Coupe
Coupé
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium coupé
Sports car
Vehicle Type
Coupé
Coupé
Color Note
-
White, Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, Grey, Orange
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1660 kg
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Length
4850 mm
4811 mm
Width
1861 mm
1915 mm
Height
1428 mm
1408 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2719 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
120 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
61 l
Boot/Cargo Space
420 l
408 l
Kerb Weight
1910 kg
1660 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2245 kg
Payload Capacity
490 kg
585 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
6.1 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
987 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
954 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1031 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
894 mm
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Engine
1999/L4
5.0L Ti-VCT V8
Engine Code
M254
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1999 cc
5038 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
32
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Dual Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
12.0:1
Bore
83.0 mm
93 mm
Stroke
92.0 mm
92.7 mm
Maximum Power
150 kW
334 kW @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
540 Nm @ 5100 rpm
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
RWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
240 km/h
267 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.4 sec
4.6 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Normal, Sport, Track, Drag Strip, Slippery and Custom
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
201.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
325.3 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 Coupé
Mustang
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
RWD
LSD Available
No
Standard
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
9
10
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
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
No
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
9
10
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
12.8 km/l
City Mileage
15.2 km/l
10.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.2 km/l
15 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
61 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
12.8 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
61
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 Coupé
Mustang
Airbags
7
8
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
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
Yes
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
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather-accented upholstery
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Yes
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Power adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Power adjustment
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Leather-accented upholstery
Steering Type
-
Electric power-assisted
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and telescopic
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
12.4-inch LCD
Interior Colour Options
-
7
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
12.4-inch digital cluster, SYNC 4 touchscreen, premium audio, sports seats
Interior Colours
-
7
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
408 l
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.8
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and telescopic
Voice Command
-
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Common Rail Injection
-
Port and direct fuel injection
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
12.4-inch LCD
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Rim Size
19
19 Inches
Sound System
13
10
Source Model Column
-
mustang
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and telescopic
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
USB-C ports
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
12
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
12
Navigation System
-
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Voice Recognition
-
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
12
Infotainment Display
-
Ford SYNC 4
Audio Speakers
13
10
Audio System
-
12 with subwoofer
Display Audio
-
Ford SYNC 4
Multi Information Display
-
12.4-inch LCD
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Yes
Roof Rails
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Body Type
-
Sedan
Exterior Colour Options
-
7
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Standard
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
143 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
255/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
19
19 Inches
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic parking brake
Wheel Diameter
19
19 Inches
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Wheel Size Type
-
19 Inches
Wheels
-
19 Inches
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Independent multi-link
Front Track Width
-
1617 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1607 mm
Power Steering
-
Electric power-assisted
Steering Column
-
Tilt and telescopic
MagneRide Damping
-
Standard
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
295 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
295
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
295
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
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.
Flagship
Price Zar
1313601 ZAR
1545000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
1450000
1545000
Starting Price Zar
1450000
1545000
Spec
CLE Coupé
Mustang
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLE Coupé and Mustang 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 Coupé 66 vs Mustang 96.
Efficiency index: CLE Coupé 63 vs Mustang 48.
Safety-equipment index: CLE Coupé 95 vs Mustang 98.
Practicality index: CLE Coupé 55 vs Mustang 56.
Ownership-cover index: CLE Coupé not separately scored vs Mustang 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 Coupé and Mustang 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
Mustang leads by 7 points
CLE Coupé and Mustang are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mustang
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
56/100
CLE Coupé
Performance
66/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexFord Mustang
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 70 pts for CLE Coupé
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mustang leads. However, CLE Coupé 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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