2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 4 Series arrives packing a familiar, sharp driving edge, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with a highly efficient 31 MPG combined rating, perfectly balancing sportiness and daily usability in its compact 187.9-inch frame. Contrasting this, the freshly minted 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE immediately captivates with its more opulent presence, though it demands an $8,400 premium, starting at $59,550 versus the BMW's $51,150. While both share identical power outputs of 255 hp, the CLE opts for the grip advantage of AWD and a 9-speed transmission against the BMW's RWD setup. Crucially, the efficiency gap is noticeable, with the CLE delivering only 27 MPG combined, lagging behind the 4 Series' superior 36 MPG highway rating. The BMW also offers significantly more practical space, boasting 15.5 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Mercedes' tighter 11.2 cu ft, influencing long-term ownership appeal.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the CLE's 27 MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series
Car1 offers more practicality for families with its 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Enthusiasts will appreciate the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's standard All-Wheel Drive system and smoother 9-speed automatic transmission.
2025 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series provides the same 255 hp output for $8,400 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Choose the BMW 4 Series if...
- You prioritize running costs and efficiency, as the 4 Series returns a 36 MPG highway rating.
- You need usable trunk space, as its 15.5 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the competition.
- You prefer traditional Rear Wheel Drive dynamics combined with a lower initial investment of $51,150.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- All-weather security is essential, provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You desire the latest generation styling cues bundled into the longer 191.0-inch body.
- The smoother operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission is a deciding factor.
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
What is the main difference in powertrain performance between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Surprisingly, both base models deliver identical performance figures with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The primary mechanical difference is the drive layout: the BMW uses RWD while the CLE employs AWD, and the Mercedes utilizes a 9-speed transmission versus the BMW's 8-speed unit.
Is the extra cost of the Mercedes-Benz CLE justified by fuel savings?
No, the Mercedes-Benz CLE is significantly thirstier, rated at 27 MPG combined compared to the BMW 4 Series' 31 MPG combined. This difference means owners will spend considerably more on premium unleaded over time for the CLE.
How much more cargo space does the BMW 4 Series offer?
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers substantially more usable space, measuring 15.5 cubic feet in its trunk. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE sacrifices this practicality, providing only 11.2 cu ft for luggage.
Which coupe is physically larger?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 191.0 inches in length and 56.2 inches in height. The BMW 4 Series is more compact, sitting at 187.9 inches long and 54.6 inches tall.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance and efficiency figures.
What is the exact price premium for the 2026 CLE over the 2025 4 Series?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE has an MSRP of $59,550, which is exactly $8,400 more expensive than the 2025 BMW 4 Series starting price of $51,150.
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