Verdict
These coupes serve sharply different Malaysian briefs. The AMG CLE reaches 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, carries 420 litres of luggage and has adaptive dampers, but its 2,000 kg kerb weight and RM2,128 annual road tax are substantial commitments. The 1,289 kg BRZ is 711 kg lighter, rear-wheel drive and manual, yet takes 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h and its 226-litre boot is far less useful. Choose the Mercedes for speed, cabin equipment and long-trip usability; choose the Subaru for a simpler, lighter driver-focused format and lower running tax.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE if you want 443 hp, all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic and 420 litres of boot space in a four-seat coupe.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want a 1,289 kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual and markedly lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE RM722,888; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- Performance: AMG CLE 443 hp, 560 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds; BRZ 234 hp, 250 Nm and 6.3 seconds.
- Weight and driveline: AMG CLE 2,000 kg with all-wheel drive; BRZ 1,289 kg with rear-wheel drive.
- Practicality: AMG CLE has a 420-litre boot and 2,875 mm wheelbase; BRZ has a 226-litre boot and 2,575 mm wheelbase.
- Road tax: AMG CLE RM2,128 per year; BRZ RM767 per year.
- Warranty: AMG CLE has two years with unlimited mileage; BRZ has five years/100,000 km.
AMG CLE
- 443 hp, 560 Nm and a 4.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- 420-litre boot, 50:50 rear seat split and rear air vents
- Adaptive dampers, autonomous braking and 360-degree camera
- RM473,643 more expensive
- 711 kg heavier
- Two-year warranty versus the BRZ's five years
BRZ
- 1,289 kg kerb weight with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual
- RM767 annual road tax
- Five-year/100,000 km warranty
- 234 hp and 250 Nm trail the AMG CLE's 443 hp and 560 Nm
- 226-litre boot is 194 litres smaller
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM722,888 | RM249,245✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,128 | RM767✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, Turbochaged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 443 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 560 Nm at 560 rpm✓ | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 6 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 20 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 9 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.2 seconds✓ | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 226 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,853 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 2,042 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,434 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,875 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 2,000 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres✓ | 226 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/35R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 295/30R20 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 7 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Y-spoke Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control Suspension with Adaptive Dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Light Matrix LEDs | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 50:50 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used AMG CLE & BRZ for sale
AMG CLE vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE or Subaru BRZ better?
The AMG CLE is better for outright performance, equipment and luggage space: it does 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a 420-litre boot. The BRZ is the better fit for buyers who specifically want a lighter 1,289 kg rear-wheel-drive manual coupe.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE costs RM473,643 more than the Subaru BRZ: RM722,888 against RM249,245. That gap also brings 443 hp instead of 234 hp, all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic and a much larger 420-litre boot.
Which coupe has lower ownership commitments?
The Subaru BRZ has the lower annual road tax at RM767 versus RM2,128 for the AMG CLE, and its warranty lasts five years/100,000 km rather than two years with unlimited mileage. It also weighs 711 kg less.
