2025 BMW 5 Series vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$58,700 · Sedan

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 BMW 5 Series (car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE (car2) is fuel economy, with the BMW achieving 31 MPG combined versus the CLE's 27 MPG combined, a significant 4 MPG separation. While both vehicles share identical power figures of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, their packaging differs substantially. The 5 Series, being a larger sedan at 199.2 inches in length, offers a vastly superior 18.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE coupe's restrictive 11.2 cu ft. Conversely, the CLE boasts standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) via its 9-speed automatic transmission, while the 5 Series uses a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup with an 8-speed unit. With MSRPs separated by only $700 ($58,700 for the BMW vs. $58,000 for the Mercedes), efficiency and utility weigh heavily against the CLE's sportier footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel efficiency rating compared to the CLE's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series sedan offers substantially more usable space, boasting 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CLE coupe's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE targets driving enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive system, contrasting with the 5 Series' standard Rear-Wheel Drive layout.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

Despite being $700 more expensive, the 5 Series provides 4 MPG better efficiency and nearly 7 cubic feet more cargo room, improving its overall utility value.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Long-term fuel costs are a concern, given the 5 Series achieves 31 MPG combined.
Maximum utility is required, as the 5 Series sedan offers 18.4 cu ft of trunk space.
A traditional sedan experience is preferred over the coupe silhouette.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Year-round traction and enhanced grip from standard All-Wheel Drive are mandatory.
A shorter, more compact body length of 191.0 inches is desired for easier urban maneuvering.
The driver prioritizes the 9-speed automatic transmission over the 5 Series' 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 5 Series	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	199.2"	191.0"
Width	74.8"	73.3"
Height	59.6"	56.2"
Wheelbase	117.9"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	—
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	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

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)	28/35 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	445.2/556.5 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
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	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-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	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.9 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/45R19	245/45R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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.
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 5 Series and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much does the difference in fuel economy impact annual driving costs?

The BMW 5 Series achieves 31 MPG combined, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE is rated at 27 MPG combined. If driving 15,000 miles annually with fuel at $3.50/gallon, the CLE owner could spend approximately $194 more per year on fuel than the 5 Series owner.

Is the standard drivetrain configuration significantly different between these two models?

Yes, the 2025 BMW 5 Series comes standard with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering potentially better traction in adverse weather conditions.

Which vehicle offers substantially more space for luggage?

The BMW 5 Series sedan provides 18.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is over 60% more than the Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe's 11.2 cubic feet. This makes the 5 Series far more suitable for airport runs or road trips requiring significant luggage capacity.

Are the performance figures between the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLE comparable?

Performance specs are nearly identical on paper; both models produce 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The primary measurable difference in driving dynamics comes from the CLE's AWD system versus the 5 Series' RWD bias.

How do the physical dimensions of the two vehicles compare?

The BMW 5 Series is the longer vehicle at 199.2 inches, compared to the CLE's 191.0 inches. Additionally, the BMW is taller (59.6 inches vs. 56.2 inches), reinforcing its sedan structure over the lower-slung coupe design of the CLE.

Given that both require premium fuel, which one is cheaper to purchase initially?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE holds a slight initial price advantage, listed at an MSRP of $58,000. The BMW 5 Series is priced marginally higher at $58,700, resulting in a $700 cost difference.