If you want a stylish and fun-to-drive luxury midsize car, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a great choice. It has a sleek two-door design, strong engine options, and a high-end interior. It competes with other luxury cars, such as the 2025 Acura TLX. How does it fare against the TLX? Find out in this Mercedes-Benz vs Acura comparison.
The four-seater, two-door CLE features MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats that are adjustable in multiple directions, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. Meanwhile, genuine or Nappa leather upholstery, front seats equipped with a massage function, ventilated front seats, a heated steering column, and sport seats are optional.
The CLE has a decent amount of trunk space for a coupe, offering 11.2 cubic feet of storage capacity. The rear seats are foldable to accommodate bigger items.
The two-row TLX seats five passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, but can be cramped in the rear, with little headroom for taller passengers. Standard features include Milano leather seats, 12-way power-adjustable and heated front sport seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Upper trims feature Ultrasuede® or perforated Milano leather.
The TLX offers 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space, a notable feature for a luxury midsize car. Furthermore, the wide-opening trunk improves the ease of loading and unloading cargo.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE |
2025 Acura TLX |
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Rows: 2 Max Seating: 4 Max Cargo Capacity: 11.2 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: MB-Tex Synthetic Leather (Standard), Genuine or Nappa Leather (Optional) |
Rows: 2 Max Seating: 5 Max Cargo Capacity: 13.5 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Milano Leather (Standard), Ultrasuede®, Perforated Milano Leather |
The CLE is available with three different powertrains: the base version features a 255-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the next trim level has a 375-hp inline-6, and the AMG CLE 53 enhances that same engine to deliver 443 horsepower. Every model is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that aids performance and ensures a smooth, composed ride. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across the range.
On the other hand, the TLX base trim comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE |
2025 Acura TLX |
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Base Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 255 Torque: 295 lb-ft Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic |
Base Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 272 Torque: 280 lb-ft Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic |
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CLE 450: Turbocharged 3.0-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Horsepower: 375 Torque: 369 lb-ft Transmission: Nine-Speed Automatic | |
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AMG CLE 53: 3.0-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Horsepower: 443 Torque: 413 lb-ft Transmission: Nine-Speed Automatic |
The CLE is equipped with the advanced MBUX infotainment system, which boasts a large screen, convenient voice control, and wireless integration of smartphones. It also features access to third-party applications, and the touch screen tilts to reduce glare.
The TLX’s infotainment system is well-appointed and functional. Rather than a touchscreen, it has a touchpad that can be difficult to use. Voice commands and steering wheel controls provide convenience.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Top 5 Technology Features |
2025 Acura TLX Top 5 Technology Features |
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Although the CLE has yet to undergo crash testing, it is equipped with various standard driver-assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, and driver-attention monitoring.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the TLX a five-star overall safety rating. This Acura also features a comprehensive array of standard safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Safety Features |
2025 Acura TLX Safety Features |
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This 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2025 Acura TLX comparison illustrates that both are great luxury midsize cars, but they are suitable for different drivers. The CLE is best for those looking for a high-end, sporty coupe with advanced technology and comfort. It is the more luxurious option.
Take it for a test drive today at Mercedes-Benz of South Mississippi in D'Iberville, MS.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.