2025 BMW M4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is fundamentally a study in performance prioritization versus cost efficiency, highlighted by the significant $20,150 MSRP difference. The most pronounced numerical gap is in power output, where the M4 delivers 473 hp compared to the CLE's 255 hp—a substantial 218 hp advantage for the BMW. Furthermore, fuel economy reveals a crucial divergence: the CLE achieves a 27 combined MPG, vastly outperforming the M4's 19 combined MPG, translating to an 8 MPG efficiency difference. While the M4 offers superior driver engagement via its 6-speed manual transmission and slightly higher torque (406 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft), the CLE is slightly longer at 191.0 inches and features an AWD system. The M4 retains marginally more cargo space at 12.0 cu ft compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft, underscoring the M4’s focus on raw metrics over daily economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG compared to the M4's 19 MPG.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
While both are coupes, the CLE's lower purchase price and better fuel efficiency make it the more practical, budget-conscious choice for occasional family transport.
2025 BMW M4
The BMW M4 is the definitive choice for enthusiasts, offering 473 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque, and a proper 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides significantly better utility metrics, achieving 21 MPG more on the highway, for $20,150 less than the M4.
Choose the BMW M4 if...
- Maximum performance is required, evidenced by the M4's 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
- A tactile driving experience is paramount, specifically through the inclusion of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize slightly greater cargo capacity at 12.0 cubic feet.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Fuel economy is a major factor, given the CLE's 27 combined MPG rating (24/33 MPG City/Highway).
- A lower entry price is necessary, as the CLE starts $20,150 less than the M4.
- All-wheel drive is preferred over the M4's rear-wheel drive setup, coupled with a modern 9-speed automatic transmission.
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
What is the direct performance gap between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The 2025 BMW M4 boasts a significant power advantage with 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 218 hp deficit for the Mercedes.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Mercedes-Benz CLE compared to the BMW M4?
The CLE is substantially more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG on premium unleaded, which is 8 MPG better than the M4's 19 combined MPG rating.
Which vehicle offers better financial value considering MSRP and running costs?
The CLE offers superior value, starting at an MSRP of $59,550 compared to the M4's $79,700, and it saves money through its higher fuel economy figures.
Are the transmission options different between these two coupes?
Yes, the BMW M4 comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, catering to traditionalists, while the CLE utilizes a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Which car has a larger footprint, the M4 or the CLE?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is dimensionally slightly larger in two aspects; it is 1.9 inches longer (191.0 inches vs. 189.1 inches) and 1.4 inches taller (56.2 inches vs. 54.8 inches) than the M4.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance specifications.
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