2025 BMW 5 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$58,700 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 5 Series stands as the sophisticated sedan stalwart, radiating executive presence and practicality with its substantial 199.2-inch length and superior 18.4 cu ft of cargo space. Its engineering focuses on efficient forward momentum, achieving an excellent 31 MPG combined, despite requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE injects pure sporting aspiration into the mid-size luxury segment, boasting a sleeker, shorter profile at 191.0 inches and standard All-Wheel Drive for confident handling. Both vehicles launch with identical power figures—255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—but the BMW pulls ahead in running costs, offering 4 MPG better combined efficiency. While the CLE's $59,550 MSRP is slightly higher than the BMW's $58,700, the core difference lies in their mission: spacious, efficient travel versus intimate, dynamic coupe cruising.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The 2025 BMW 5 Series wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the CLE's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series offers nearly double the utility with 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE, as a dedicated coupe with All-Wheel Drive, likely provides a more inherently sporty and engaging driving feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series provides a larger sedan footprint and 4 MPG better efficiency while carrying a lower initial MSRP of $58,700.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

You prioritize fuel economy and need 31 MPG combined efficiency.
You require substantial space, benefiting from 18.4 cu ft of trunk volume.
You prefer the classic, established presence of a 199.2-inch long sedan.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You seek the dynamic advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive for all-weather grip.
You desire the lower ride height and compact dimensions of a true coupe (56.2 inches tall).
You want the slightly smoother shifting experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How significant is the MPG difference between the two models?

The difference is substantial, with the 2025 BMW 5 Series achieving 31 MPG combined, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is rated at 27 MPG combined, resulting in a 4 MPG advantage for the BMW.

Do both vehicles offer the same level of power?

Yes, based on the provided data, both the 5 Series and the CLE produce an identical 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, though their transmissions differ slightly (8-speed vs. 9-speed).

Which vehicle is better suited for carrying luggage?

The BMW 5 Series is significantly better for cargo, offering 18.4 cubic feet, which is 7.2 cubic feet more than the Mercedes-Benz CLE’s 11.2 cubic feet.

What is the primary drivetrain difference affecting handling?

The BMW 5 Series utilizes a traditional Rear Wheel Drive setup, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which generally aids traction in slippery conditions.

Is there a significant price difference at the base level?

The pricing is very close, with the BMW 5 Series starting at $58,700 and the Mercedes-Benz CLE positioned slightly higher at $59,550.

How do their physical sizes compare?

The BMW 5 Series is longer at 199.2 inches and taller at 59.6 inches, reflecting its sedan stature, while the CLE is shorter at 191.0 inches and lower at 56.2 inches, fitting its coupe style.