2025 BMW M4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$79,700 · Coupe

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the substantial $21,700 MSRP gap, with the M4 priced at $79,700 compared to the CLE's $58,000. This price difference is paired with a massive performance discrepancy: the M4 delivers 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, efficiency metrics heavily favor the Mercedes, boasting a combined 27 MPG versus the BMW's 19 MPG, an 8 MPG advantage. The M4 utilizes a traditional 6-speed manual RWD setup, while the CLE offers an AWD configuration with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Dimensions show the CLE is slightly longer at 191.0 inches versus 189.1 inches, yet both coupes offer minimal utility with cargo capacities near 11-12 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the superior commuter due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the M4's 19 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

While neither is ideal, the CLE offers marginally more interior height at 56.2 inches and slightly better ease of use with its automatic transmission.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The BMW M4 is clearly for enthusiasts, generating a commanding 473 hp and offering the engaging control of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides a superior value proposition, costing $21,700 less while still delivering respectable power and AWD capability.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

Absolute peak performance is the priority, indicated by the M4's 473 hp output.
The driver strongly prefers the mechanical engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
The driver requires the superior low-end pulling power of 406 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, evidenced by the CLE’s 27 combined MPG rating.
A lower initial investment is necessary, as the CLE starts $21,700 lower at $58,000.
All-wheel drive capability is desired for varied driving conditions, opposed to the M4's RWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	189.1"	191.0"
Width	74.3"	73.3"
Height	54.8"	56.2"
Wheelbase	112.5"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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 (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 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	35.8 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 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 M4 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

What is the real-world performance difference between the two coupes?

The BMW M4 produces 473 horsepower, leading the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which generates 255 horsepower. This 218 hp advantage indicates the M4 will achieve significantly quicker acceleration metrics than the CLE.

How does the drivetrains compare for daily use?

The M4 employs a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, favoring driver involvement. The CLE features an all-wheel-drive system mated to a 9-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing traction and ease of driving.

Which vehicle is more economical to run in terms of fuel consumption?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is markedly more fuel-efficient, rating at 27 combined MPG (24 city/33 highway). The BMW M4 returns only 19 combined MPG (16 city/23 highway), representing an 8 MPG deficit.

Is the price difference justified by the feature set?

The $79,700 M4 is positioned as a dedicated performance machine with superior power figures. The $58,000 CLE targets the luxury touring segment, offering substantial savings for those not requiring the M4's extreme output.

Are there significant size differences affecting usability?

The CLE is slightly longer (191.0 inches vs. 189.1 inches) and taller (56.2 inches vs. 54.8 inches). Cargo capacity is similar, with the M4 offering 12.0 cu ft to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.