2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 Genesis G80
Comparison Overview
The most striking divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and the 2026 Genesis G80 lies in fuel economy, where the CLE achieves a combined 27 MPG versus the G80's unspecified rating, although the G80's base engine offers a significant 45 hp advantage (300 hp vs. 255 hp). The G80 sedan also possesses greater utility, boasting 13.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE coupe's 11.2 cu ft, and it is physically longer by 6.0 inches (197.0 inches vs. 191.0 inches). Performance-wise, the Genesis delivers higher torque at 311 lb-ft against the Mercedes' 295 lb-ft, despite the CLE having an extra gear ratio in its transmission (9-speed vs. 8-speed). Priced nearly identically at $58,000 (CLE) and $58,450 (G80), the decision hinges on whether performance/utility or achievable economy is prioritized.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The CLE offers a measured 27 MPG combined fuel economy, suggesting better efficiency for daily driving compared to the G80.
2026 Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 provides a superior cargo capacity of 13.1 cu ft and a larger sedan body structure suitable for more occupants or luggage.
2026 Genesis G80
The G80 leads in raw output with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is slightly less expensive at $58,000 and provides a documented efficiency rating, offering perceived brand value for lower initial cost.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- If achieving the documented 33 highway MPG is a primary concern.
- If the preference is for a more compact footprint, measuring 191.0 inches in length.
- If a 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred over an 8-speed unit for closer gear ratios.
Choose the Genesis G80 if...
- If higher engine output, specifically 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, is necessary.
- If 13.1 cu ft of trunk space is required, exceeding the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
- If a sedan body style offering greater overall length (197.0 inches) is desired.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLE | Genesis G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.0" | 197.0" |
| Width | 73.3" | 75.8" |
| Height | 56.2" | 57.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 118.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/574.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 27.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | — |
| Stereo Power | 710W | — |
| Speaker System | 17 | 9 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.1 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.2 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 245/50R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and 2026 Genesis G80.
What is the exact fuel economy difference between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE has a stated combined fuel economy of 27 MPG. While the 2026 Genesis G80 fuel economy is not provided, its significantly higher power output suggests it will likely yield lower MPG figures.
Is the Genesis G80 more powerful than the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Yes, the G80 is more powerful, producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. The CLE base model generates 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better utility based on size specifications?
The Genesis G80 offers better utility due to its larger dimensions, including a 197.0-inch length compared to the CLE's 191.0 inches, and its 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity.
Are both vehicles AWD and what transmissions do they use?
Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive powertrains. The Mercedes-Benz CLE utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Genesis G80 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How close are the starting prices for these two models?
The vehicles are priced very closely, with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE starting at $58,000 MSRP and the 2026 Genesis G80 at $58,450 MSRP.
Does the fuel requirement differ significantly?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLE explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. The Genesis G80 specifies that premium unleaded is recommended, allowing for regular fuel use at a potential performance trade-off.
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