Head-to-head
2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class edges it, 89 to 84.1, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Ford Mustang is ahead on space & cargo and fuel & range. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 4.7 and it flips.
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2025 Ford Mustang
The 2025 Ford Mustang is sold in the U.S. as a gas coupe with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Mustang, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combin…
vs
A2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid coupe with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CLE300 4matic (Coupe), i…
More Ford Mustang head-to-heads More Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class head-to-heads Every Mustang vs CLE-Class model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Slight edgeThe Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class edges it, 89 to 84.1, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Ford Mustang is ahead on space & cargo and fuel & range. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 4.7 and it flips.
Safety 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads by 21.2
Space & cargo 2025 Ford Mustang leads by 26.3
Performance 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads by 21.4
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Mustangoverall 84.1 | 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Classoverall 89 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 98.8 | 90.1 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 61 | 82.2 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 73.7 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 78.6 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 93.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 84.1 | 89 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Ford Mustang: base trim EcoBoost Standard Package RWD · Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: base trim AMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 4.7 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (3 against 19 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 63).
- It makes 443 hp against 315.
Where the 2025 Ford Mustang answers
- It lists 23 standard driver-assist features against 8.
- It holds 13.3 cu ft behind the second row against 9.8.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
43 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $74,300 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,300 cc | 2,999 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 | AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with hybrid assist and electric auxiliary compressor |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 443 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 20 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 23 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 27 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.15:1 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 9 |
| Transmission type | automatic | AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 55 in | 56.5 in |
| Overall length | 189 in | 191 in |
| Overall width | 75.4 in | 76.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 113 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.3 cu-ft | 9.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 82.8 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 4 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 37.6 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 34.8 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.5 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 29 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,588 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,588 lbs | 4,420 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Double-ball-joint MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar and aluminum control arms | — |
| Rear suspension type | Integral-link independent with coil springs and stabilizer bar | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Selectable-Effort Electric Power Assisted (EPAS) | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm | 391 mm |
| Front brake type | vented disc, twin-piston 43 mm floating aluminum calipers | disc, six-piston calipers (optional) |
| Parking brake type | Electric Parking Brake | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 320 mm | 371 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | disc, single-piston calipers (optional) |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 19 in |
| Wheel material | Aluminum | — |
| Wheel width | 8 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/50 ZR 18 BSW All-Season | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.3 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 52.2 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
130 features · differences first, then sharedSafety31 differ · 33 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) (Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support) | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) (Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support) | std | — |
| Surround View 360° Camera | — | std |
| Driver/Passenger Side-impact Airbags | std | — |
| Dual Front Airbags | std | — |
| Lane-Keeping System (includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert and Driver Alert, Road Departure Warning) | std | — |
| Rear View Camera – Digital | std | — |
| Side Curtain Airbags (Fastback only, 1st and 2nd rows) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | std | — |
| Active Anti-Theft System / Security Package | std | — |
| Active Brake Assist | — | std |
| Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Automatic Lane Change, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side | — | opt |
| AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control | std | — |
| AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control | std | — |
| AMG High Performance Brake System with Silver AMG Brake Calipers | — | std |
| Driver Assistance Package | — | opt |
| Driver Knee Airbag | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake | std | — |
| Front 15.4 x 1.4-inch Brake Discs with Six-Piston Calipers | — | opt |
| Front and Rear – Belt Minder® (Safety Belt Reminder) | std | — |
| Front Seatbelt Presenters | — | std |
| Glove-box-door-integrated Knee Airbag | std | — |
| Guard 360 | — | std |
| PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist | — | std |
| Personal Safety System™ (seat belt pre-tensioners, load limiting retractors, driver seat position sensing and crash severity sensing) | std | — |
| Post-Impact Braking | std | — |
| Rear 14.6 x 1-inch Brake Discs with Single-Piston Calipers | — | opt |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Vented Four-wheel Disc Power Brakes | std | — |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Assist | std | std |
| LED Headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist | std | std |
Infotainment24 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 911 Assist® | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – Remotely start (auto only), lock and unlock vehicle | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connects up to 10 devices | std | — |
| 11.9-inch Central Multimedia Display | — | std |
| 6 Speakers | std | — |
| Active Noise Cancellation (Convertible Only) | std | — |
| Advanced USB Package with Additional 100W USB-C Ports | — | opt |
| All-new Routines Function within MBUX | — | std |
| AMG Real Performance Sound | — | opt |
| AMG Track Pace | — | opt |
| Audio Control | std | — |
| Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System with Sound Personalization | — | std |
| Electronic Sound Enhancement (Fastback Only) | std | — |
| Head-Up Display | — | opt |
| Inductive Wireless Charging | — | std |
| MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation | — | opt |
| MBUX Infotainment and Navigation with New-Generation Voice Control, including Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation ("Hey Mercedes") | — | std |
| Mercedes-Benz Navigation | — | std |
| SiriusXM with Trial Period | — | std |
| Smart-Charging USB Ports – two (2) | std | — |
| SYNC® 4 with 13.2" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, Enhanced Voice Recognition, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | std | — |
| Three USB-C Ports | — | std |
| TrackApps™ | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | — | std |
Convenience3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Access with Push-button Start | std | — |
| Biometric Fingerprint Scanner | — | std |
| KEYLESS-GO® and KEYLESS-START® | — | std |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | std | — |
| Dual Zone Auto Climate Control | std | — |
Seating8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power Heated Front Seats with Memory | — | std |
| Ventilated Front Seats | — | opt |
| 6-way Manual Driver | std | — |
| 4-way Manual Passenger | std | — |
| AMG Performance Seat Package / AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced | — | opt |
| Front Seats – Cloth Buckets | std | — |
| Multicontour Front Seats with Massage | — | opt |
| Rear-Seat – Split-bench, folding (Fastback Only) | std | — |
Interior14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | std |
| Power Tilt and Telescoping Steering Column | — | std |
| 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster | — | std |
| 12.4" LCD Digital Cluster w/ IOD Message Center | std | — |
| 64-Color Ambient Lighting | — | std |
| AMG Illuminated Door Sills | — | std |
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather with AMG DRIVE UNIT Buttons | — | std |
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather/Microfiber or Microfiber/Carbon Fiber Design | — | opt |
| Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel – Vinyl | std | — |
| Floor Mats – 1st Row, Black w/ Black Pony Logo | opt | — |
| Pinnacle Trim | — | opt |
| Premium Floor Liners Front and Rear (with Carpet Mats) | opt | — |
| Premium Floor Liners Front and Rear (without Carpet Mats) | opt | — |
| Floor Mats – 1st Row Carpeted, Black | std | — |
Exterior27 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED Projector Headlamps with Configurable Daytime Running Lamps | std | — |
| 18" X 8" Machined-face Aluminum with High gloss Ebony Black Painted Pockets Wheel | std | — |
| 19-inch AMG Wheels | — | std |
| 20-inch AMG Multi-Spoke and Forged Wheels in Several Finishes | — | opt |
| Active Valve Performance Exhaust | opt | — |
| AMG Carbon Fiber Package I / AMG Carbon Fiber Package II | — | opt |
| AMG Night Package / AMG Night Package Plus | — | opt |
| AMG Performance Studio Package | — | opt |
| DIGITAL LIGHT with Projections | — | opt |
| Dual Bright Exhaust with Rolled Tips | std | — |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler | std | — |
| LED Headlamps | std | — |
| LED Signature Lighting | std | — |
| LED Taillamps | — | std |
| LED Taillamps with Sequential Turn Signals | std | — |
| Matte Clear Film | opt | — |
| Mustang® Nite Pony Package | opt | — |
| Nine Exterior Paint Colors, including Sun Yellow (introduced for MY25) and Five MANUFAKTUR Hues | — | opt |
| Over-the-Top Racing Stripe | opt | — |
| Panorama Roof | — | std |
| Red Brake Calipers with Black AMG Lettering | — | opt |
| Spoiler Delete | opt | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Wheel & Stripe Package | opt | — |
| Headlamps – AutoLamp (automatic on/off) | std | — |
| Rear-window Defroster | std | — |
| Mini Spare Wheel and Tire | opt | — |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | std | std |
Powertrain14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| AMG Performance 4MATIC+ Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| 3.15 Limited-slip Rear-Axle | std | — |
| AMG Dynamic Engine Mounts | — | opt |
| AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package | — | opt |
| AMG DYNAMIC SELECT "RACE" Drive Program with Drift Mode and RACE START | — | opt |
| AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with Five Drive Programs and Integrated AMG DYNAMICS | — | std |
| AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G Transmission | — | std |
| AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo with Hybrid Assist and Electric Auxiliary Compressor | — | std |
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with Selectable Effort | std | — |
| Electronic Line-lock (Track Use Only) | std | — |
| Engine – 2.3L EcoBoost® with Stop/Start System | std | — |
| Engine Block Heater | opt | — |
| Selectable Drive Modes | std | — |
| Transmission – 10-speed Automatic 10R80 | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-Degree Rear Axle Steering | — | std |
| AMG RIDE CONTROL Suspension | — | std |
| Fixed Top Mounts – Front Struts | std | — |
| Independent Rear Suspension | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Mustang
Safety Signal 63 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 6 · 1 critical · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 19 · 1 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Visibility/Wiper (6), Exterior Lighting (5), Electrical System (5)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Electrical System 26V547000 · 148,663 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- moderate Visibility 26V418000 · 67,994 vehicles
- moderate Exterior Lighting 25V546000 · 105,545 vehicles
- moderate Exterior Lighting 25V519000 · 3,270 vehicles
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 3 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (2), Unspecified (1), Lane Departure (1)
Top recalls
- high Electrical System 26V281000 · 144,049 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford MustangEcoBoost Standard Package RWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassAMG CLE 53 Coupe AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $74,300 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 10 trims | $74,300 – $82,600 2 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Mustang | CLE300 4matic (Coupe) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,600 | $3,050 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Mustang or the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class edges it, 89 to 84.1, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Ford Mustang is ahead on space & cargo and fuel & range. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 4.7 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class scores 89 and the 2025 Ford Mustang 84.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Ford Mustang or the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
2025 Ford Mustang: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 6 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Mustang and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
Where the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (3 against 19 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 63), and makes 443 hp against 315. Where the 2025 Ford Mustang answers: it lists 23 standard driver-assist features against 8 and holds 13.3 cu ft behind the second row against 9.8.