2025 BMW M2 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW M2 roars onto the scene as the raw, focused performance machine, delivering a thrilling 473 hp and the visceral connection of a standard 6-speed manual transmission, appealing directly to the driving purist. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE captivates with sophisticated styling and efficiency, blending 255 hp with an impressive 27 MPG combined rating, making it the sensible yet elegant daily driver. The M2 is considerably more compact at 180.3 inches long compared to the CLE’s 191.0 inches, suggesting nimbler handling dynamics, though this comes at the cost of fuel economy, trailing the Benz by a significant 8 MPG. With an MSRP difference of $7,500, the M2 demands a premium for its substantial 218 hp advantage, while the CLE leans into attainable luxury with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) contrasting the BMW's purely rear-wheel-drive setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the M2's 19 MPG.
2025 BMW M2
The BMW M2 offers slightly more utility with 13.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cubic feet.
2025 BMW M2
The M2 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 473 hp and the engagement of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides superior value by costing $7,500 less while offering AWD and better fuel economy.
Choose the BMW M2 if...
- You prioritize maximum power, demanding the M2’s 473 hp output.
- You seek the raw, mechanical engagement offered by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for urban agility, with a length of only 180.3 inches.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, leveraging the CLE's 33 MPG highway rating.
- You require the enhanced traction and stability of the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Your budget prioritizes saving $7,500 on the initial purchase price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M2 | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.3" | 191.0" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.3" |
| Height | 55.2" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic 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 Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | 6-speed manual | 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) | 16/23 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 219.2/315.1 mi. | 417.6/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.7 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front 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 | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Harman/Kardon | Burmester |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
| Stereo Power | — | 710W |
| Speaker System | — | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.7 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 10.5 in. | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 285/30R | 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. |
| 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 M2 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 BMW M2 and the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The gap is immense; the M2 produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, whereas the CLE generates 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, giving the M2 a substantial 218 hp advantage for track days.
Is the M2's fuel economy drastically worse than the CLE's?
Yes, the M2 is notably thirstier, delivering only 19 MPG combined, while the CLE achieves a much healthier 27 MPG combined, an 8 MPG difference that will be felt at the pump.
Which coupe offers a more engaging driving experience via transmission choice?
The 2025 BMW M2 is the enthusiast's pick because it exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission, contrasting the CLE's 9-speed shiftable automatic.
What is the real-world difference in purchase price between these two coupes?
The 2025 BMW M2 carries an MSRP of $65,500, making it $7,500 more expensive than the $58,000 starting price of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Does the difference in size affect practicality, such as cargo space?
The larger Mercedes-Benz CLE (191.0 inches long) offers less utility inside, providing 11.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the M2's 13.8 cu ft.
Are both cars exclusively Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)?
No, the M2 utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup, while the CLE comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced grip.
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