2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE bursts onto the scene as the sophisticated grand tourer, offering 255 hp in an elegant, accessible package starting at a competitive $58,000. Conversely, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman is a scalpel of precision, delivering a thrilling 300 hp routed exclusively through its rear wheels, though it demands a premium entry price of $72,800. The Mercedes appeals with its generous 11.2 cu ft of cargo space and an efficient 27 MPG combined rating, benefiting from its all-wheel drive system. The Cayman, though smaller at 172.4 inches in length and offering slightly less efficiency at 24 MPG combined, boasts superior straight-line power and a driver-focused 7-speed automated manual transmission. This comparison pits near-luxury comfort and usability against pure, undiluted sports car dynamics, defined by a significant $14,800 price gap favoring the stylish Benz.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior combined fuel economy at 27 MPG and the assurance of all-wheel drive for varied driving conditions.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
Neither car is ideal for families, but the Porsche offers slightly more usable space with 15 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is the undisputed driver's choice with 300 hp, a lower stance (51.0 inches height), and precise rear-wheel drive dynamics.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins on value, offering 255 hp for a starting MSRP of only $58,000, significantly undercutting the Cayman's premium.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- You prioritize everyday usability and better fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the security and stability of an all-wheel drive system paired with a 9-speed transmission.
- You want the prestige and updated styling of the new Mercedes coupe segment for $14,800 less than the competitor.
Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...
- You crave maximum driver engagement and higher output from 300 horsepower.
- You value a lower center of gravity, evidenced by its 51.0-inch height, for superior handling.
- You prefer the purist experience of rear-wheel drive paired with a quick-shifting 7-speed automated manual gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLE | Porsche 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.0" | 172.4" |
| Width | 73.3" | 70.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 51.0" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 97.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/574.2 mi. | 298.2/383.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | — |
| Stereo Power | 710W | 150W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 42.1 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.0 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 265/45R Z |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.
What is the performance gap between the two coupes?
The Porsche 718 Cayman clearly holds the performance advantage, boasting 300 hp compared to the Mercedes CLE's 255 hp, giving it a noticeable edge in outright speed despite the Benz's robust 295 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?
The Mercedes CLE is the superior choice for fuel consumption, returning a combined 27 MPG versus the Porsche's 24 MPG combined rating. Furthermore, both require premium unleaded fuel.
Is the Porsche significantly smaller than the Mercedes?
Yes, the Porsche is a more compact machine; it measures 172.4 inches long compared to the CLE's 191.0 inches, and it is notably lower at 51.0 inches high versus the CLE’s 56.2 inches.
Which car has more practical storage space?
Surprisingly, the Porsche 718 Cayman offers slightly better cargo capacity at 15 cubic feet, which edges out the Mercedes-Benz CLE's 11.2 cubic feet, potentially due to the Cayman's mid-engine layout offering front and rear storage.
What is the primary reason for the $14,800 price difference?
The significant price difference stems from the Porsche brand positioning and the performance hardware, as the Cayman starts at $72,800 while the Mercedes CLE enters the market at $58,000.
Which vehicle offers a more stable driving experience in inclement weather?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is better equipped for varied weather due to its standard all-wheel drive system, whereas the Porsche utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup.
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