Kia Seltos vs Mercedes-Benz Cle53

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos

$27,990 - $44,888

2023 price

Mercedes-Benz Cle53
Mercedes-Benz Cle53

$158,900 - $175,600

2025 price

Summary

2023 Kia Seltos
2025 Mercedes-Benz Cle53
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

9.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

4
Dislikes
  • LED headlights only on top grade
  • No hybrid version
  • CVT transmission with the 2.0-litre engine

  • C-Class rather than classier E-Class dash lowers the vibe
  • Interior quality isn’t quite as vault-like as we’d like
  • Tyre noise intrusion
2023 Kia Seltos Summary

Looking for a small SUV that’s not tiny? The Kia Seltos could be that SUV, and it’s been updated for 2023.

This review covers the entire Seltos range and reviews this small SUV based on its safety, practicality, price and features, plus ownership costs, its fuel economy and what it’s like to drive.

So, if you’re thinking about a Honda HR-V, a Toyota Corolla Cross or something even as large as a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage then you need to be thinking about a Kia Seltos, too. 

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2025 Mercedes-Benz Cle53 Summary

You’re looking at what Mercedes-Benz dubs “The AMG for all occasions”, the CLE 53.

Now, in case you haven’t been paying attention, the CLE replaces both the previous C-Class and E-Class coupes, so we’re talking about a relatively practical two-door four-seater here.

So, 53? Not the full-fat 63 flagship, then (that’s coming eventually), but something that comes close to the slightly more-powerful (and a bit more expensive) Audi RS5 and BMW M4 range-topping alternatives.

Like Goldilocks’ preferred porridge, this particular flavour of coupe is meant to leave well-heeled enthusiasts not too hot or too bothered, meaning it’s been engineered to be refreshingly refined as well as rousingly rapid.

Is the AMG CLE 53 just right, then? Time to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2025 Mercedes-Benz Cle53

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