2025 BMW M3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$76,700 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW M3 explodes onto the scene, a visceral, rear-wheel-drive legend offering a staggering 473 hp paired exclusively with a slick 6-speed manual transmission, promising an untamed connection to the road for the dedicated driver. Contrast this with the stunning 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE, a sleek, all-wheel-drive coupe that blends sharp aesthetics with superior efficiency, delivering a respectable 255 hp and achieving a combined 27 MPG. The M3 demands its premium unleaded fuel for maximum output, returning only 19 MPG combined, while the CLE sips premium and manages an excellent 33 MPG highway. Performance purists will savor the M3’s raw dynamics despite its higher $76,700 MSRP, whereas the CLE tempts buyers with a $17,150 lower starting price of $59,550 and a vastly more practical fuel economy. This comparison pits raw, manual power against sophisticated, efficient style.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the clear winner for commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the M3's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M3

Despite its sporting nature, the 2025 BMW M3 offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly surpassing the CLE's 11.2 cu ft for necessary family errands.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M3

The 2025 BMW M3 dominates enthusiast choice with its 473 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque, and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE presents significantly better value, boasting an MSRP that is $17,150 less than the M3 while still offering premium features.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

You demand ultimate straight-line power, enjoying the 473 hp output of the M3's engine.
You refuse to relinquish control and insist on a classic 6-speed manual transmission experience.
You prioritize rear-wheel drive dynamics for a traditional high-performance feel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Saving money upfront is crucial, as the CLE starts at $59,550, well under the M3’s $76,700.
You drive long distances and value the CLE's 8 MPG combined efficiency advantage.
All-wheel drive traction and a smooth 9-speed automatic are your preferred driving setup.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How does the power difference between the M3 and the CLE affect real-world driving?

The 2025 BMW M3 possesses a massive 218 hp advantage (473 hp vs. 255 hp), meaning the M3 will accelerate much harder and faster, especially when exiting corners or merging onto highways compared to the CLE.

Is the BMW M3 too impractical for daily driving?

While it drinks premium fuel at a 19 MPG combined rate and demands more focus, the M3’s 16.9 cu ft cargo space is surprisingly adequate for a sports sedan, making moderate practicality possible if you forgive the fuel costs.

Which car is cheaper to run over the course of a year?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE will be significantly cheaper to operate due to its 8 MPG better fuel economy (27 MPG combined), offsetting the M3's higher operational costs associated with its aggressive performance tuning.

Why is the BMW M3 significantly more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The M3 commands a $17,150 higher MSRP ($76,700 vs. $59,550) because it is engineered as a dedicated high-performance machine featuring specialized components tailored for extreme track capability and power output.

What is the key difference in the driving wheel/pedal experience?

The M3 exclusively features a 6-speed manual transmission mated to rear-wheel drive, providing maximum driver engagement, whereas the CLE offers a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission with the enhanced grip of all-wheel drive.