2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$51,150 · Coupe

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE often boils down to prioritizing budget efficiency versus standard all-weather capability. Both coupes offer the same output, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the $51,150 BMW 4 Series significantly undercuts the $58,000 Mercedes-Benz CLE by $6,850. This price difference is compounded by running costs; the RWD BMW achieves a better combined 31 MPG, while the AWD CLE is rated at 27 MPG combined. Although the BMW is slightly shorter at 187.9 inches compared to the CLE's 191.0 inches, the BMW offers superior practicality with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mercedes' smaller 11.2 cu ft bin. For most buyers, these measurable advantages in price and efficiency give the 4 Series a clear lead.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG compared to the CLE's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series

Car1 is the better choice for families needing more utility, offering 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides the advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive, which is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for traction.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers better value, costing $6,850 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLE while delivering identical power figures.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Your primary concern is minimizing running costs, leveraging its 31 MPG combined fuel rating.
You need slightly more usable space, as the 4 Series boasts 15.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
You want to save $6,850 upfront, with an MSRP starting at $51,150.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You prioritize standard all-weather performance via its All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the smooth operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the 4 Series' 8-speed unit.
You prefer the slightly larger footprint, as the CLE is 191.0 inches long compared to the 4 Series' 187.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	187.9"	191.0"
Width	72.9"	73.3"
Height	54.6"	56.2"
Wheelbase	112.2"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/558.0 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	710W
Speaker System	10	17
Subwoofer Count	2	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	35.2 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Is the performance identical between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

Yes, for these base trims, the performance specs are identical, as both vehicles produce 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The primary mechanical difference impacting daily driving is the BMW's RWD setup versus the Mercedes' standard AWD.

How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz CLE compared to the BMW 4 Series?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE starts at an MSRP of $58,000, which is exactly $6,850 more than the 2025 BMW 4 Series' $51,150 starting price.

Which car is better for highway driving efficiency?

The BMW 4 Series is notably better for efficiency on long trips, achieving 36 MPG on the highway compared to the CLE's 33 MPG highway rating. This contributes to its overall 4 MPG combined advantage.

Does the larger size of the CLE impact interior space?

Despite the CLE being 3.1 inches longer (191.0 vs 187.9 inches), it surprisingly offers significantly less usable space, yielding only 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 4 Series' 15.5 cu ft.

Do both coupes require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel, which is important to factor into long-term ownership costs.

What is the transmission difference between the two models?

The BMW 4 Series utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLE steps up to a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.