2025 BMW M3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The primary numerical discrepancy between the 2025 BMW M3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the $18,700 MSRP gap, with the M3 starting at $76,700 against the CLE's $58,000. This price differential underpins performance disparities; the M3 delivers 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the CLE’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy clearly favors the CLE, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the M3’s 19 MPG combined, translating to an 8 MPG advantage for the coupe. While the M3 utilizes a manual transmission, the CLE offers a 9-speed automatic and benefits from standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Dimensionally, the M3 is slightly shorter in length at 189.1 inches compared to the CLE’s 191.0 inches. Finally, cargo space sees the M3 offering 16.9 cu ft, substantially more than the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior daily usability with 8 more miles per gallon (27 MPG combined) and the stability of AWD.
2025 BMW M3
Despite being a sedan, the BMW M3 offers 5.7 cubic feet more cargo capacity (16.9 cu ft vs. 11.2 cu ft) for practical needs.
2025 BMW M3
The BMW M3 is the definitive performance machine, boasting a massive 218 hp advantage and a desirable 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE delivers respectable performance (255 hp) at a significantly lower starting MSRP of $58,000.
Choose the BMW M3 if...
- Maximum power output (473 hp) and torque (406 lb-ft) are non-negotiable priorities.
- The driver requires the mechanical engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- More functional cargo space (16.9 cu ft) is necessary for regular use.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Operating costs and fuel efficiency are critical, evidenced by its 27 MPG combined rating.
- A lower entry price point of $58,000 is required.
- The driver prefers the enhanced traction of standard All-Wheel Drive and an automatic gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 191.0" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.3" |
| Height | 56.6" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| 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) | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 417.6/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front 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 | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Stereo Power | 464W | 710W |
| Speaker System | 16 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | 2 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 10-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 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.6 in. | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 10.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 285/35R Z | 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 M3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 BMW M3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The BMW M3 is a high-performance offering producing 473 hp and features a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission with RWD. Conversely, the CLE is tuned for efficiency and comfort, delivering 255 hp through a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
How significant is the fuel economy gap when comparing these two premium vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the Mercedes-Benz CLE achieves a 27 MPG combined rating, whereas the BMW M3 returns only 19 MPG combined, creating an 8 MPG difference in favor of the CLE.
Is the BMW M3's higher price justified by interior or utility gains?
While the M3 costs $18,700 more, it offers substantially more cargo volume at 16.9 cu ft compared to the CLE’s 11.2 cu ft, but both require premium fuel.
Which vehicle provides better handling characteristics based on provided specifications?
The M3 is inherently set up for dynamic driving with its superior 473 hp and torque output, though the CLE offers AWD which may provide better grip in inclement conditions.
Are the body styles conducive to carrying passengers regularly?
The M3 is specified as a Sedan, typically implying a more functional back seat than the CLE, which is a Coupe, generally prioritized for two-door style over rear accessibility.
Do the exterior dimensions suggest one car is significantly larger or smaller?
The CLE is slightly longer at 191.0 inches compared to the M3's 189.1 inches, but the M3 is slightly wider by a full inch (74.3 inches vs. 73.3 inches).
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