Compare the2024 Mercedes CLEVS 2024 Nissan Z

The CLE’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Z doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Mercedes CLE has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Z doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The CLE has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Z doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The CLE has a standard Post Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Z doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CLE has standard Maneuvering Assistance that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Z doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The CLE offers four-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Z doesn’t offer four-wheel drive.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The CLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Z doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

The CLE offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Z only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the CLE and Z have rear cross-traffic warning, but the CLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Z’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the CLE and the Z have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

The CLE comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Z’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 350) than the Z’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the CLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Z NISMO (automatics tested):

	CLE	Z
Zero to 60 MPH	4.1 sec	4.2 sec

On the EPA test cycle the CLE Coupe gets better mileage than the Z:

			MPG
CLE Coupe
AWD	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/34 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/32 hwy
Z
RWD	Manual	3.0 turbo V6	18 city/24 hwy
	Auto	3.0 turbo V6	19 city/28 hwy
		NISMO 3.0 turbo V6	17 city/24 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the CLE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Z doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the CLE’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Z doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The CLE has a gallon more fuel capacity than the Z (17.4 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes CLE higher (7 to 8 out of 10) than the Nissan Z (5). This means the CLE produces up to 13.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Z every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the CLE’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Z:

	CLE	Z
Front Rotors	14.6 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	14.2 inches	12.1 inches

The CLE’s optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Z Performance’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CLE offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Z’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the CLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Z doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The CLE has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Z’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The CLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Z doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CLE’s wheelbase is 12.4 inches longer than on the Z (112.8 inches vs. 100.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CLE is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Z.

The CLE’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55% to 45%) than the Z’s (56.4% to 43.6%). This gives the CLE more stable handling and braking.

The CLE has standard seating for 4 passengers; the Z can only carry 2.

The CLE has 36.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z (88 vs. 51.4).

The CLE Coupe has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 4 inches more front hip room and 1.5 inches more front shoulder room than the Z.

The CLE Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Z (11.2 vs. 6.9 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the CLE’s power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Z doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The CLE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Z uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The CLE has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Z doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When three different drivers share the CLE, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Z doesn’t offer a memory system.

The CLE’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Z doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CLE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Z doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CLE’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Z has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

If the windows are left open on the CLE the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Z can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Z doesn’t offer a sensor on the trunk.

The CLE’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Z’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the CLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Z doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the CLE offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Z doesn’t offer cornering lights. The CLE also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The CLE’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Z Performance/NISMO.

When the CLE is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Z’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The CLE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Z has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the CLE keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Z doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the CLE’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Z doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Z.

The CLE’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Z doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes CLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Z doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The CLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Z doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Mercedes CLE comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Nissan Z isn’t available as a convertible.