Mercedes-Benz CLE53 vs Renault Arkana

What's the difference?

VS
Mercedes-Benz CLE53
Mercedes-Benz CLE53

$158,900 - $158,900

2025 price

Renault Arkana
Renault Arkana

$32,500 - $50,540

2024 price

Summary

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE53
2024 Renault Arkana
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 1.3L
Fuel Type
-

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
9.6L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
4

5
Dislikes
  • 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

  • Glitchy transmission
  • Firmish ride
  • Not the cheapest
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.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Mercedes-Benz CLE53?
2024 Renault Arkana Summary

Renault’s Arkana coupe-style compact SUV has been hit with its first makeover, which ushers in a range of styling changes, increased equipment and new model grade names.

There are few cars like it in the compact SUV segment, where vehicles usually favour the boxier, traditional SUV wagon shape over the stylish but often internal space compromised coupe SUVs.

Renault Australia is only expecting about one per cent share of the segment or around 1500 sales a year.

But if you want to stand out from the crowd of Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota Corolla Cross small SUVs then the Arkana might be for you.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE53 2024 Renault Arkana

Change vehicle