2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 BMW 4 Series

$58,000 · Coupe

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the elegant 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and the spirited 2026 BMW 4 Series often boils down to balancing luxury cachet against everyday practicality and upfront cost. While both coupes offer identical performance figures—both boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—the differences emerge in efficiency and usability. The BMW 4 Series carries a notable advantage with a lower MSRP of $52,600 compared to the Mercedes' $58,000, saving you $5,400 immediately. However, the Mercedes CLE, despite requiring premium fuel just like the BMW, nets better combined fuel economy at 27 MPG versus the BMW's unknown figure (implying efficiency isn't the primary focus for both). Furthermore, the CLE is slightly larger overall, measuring 191.0 inches in length, but the BMW surprisingly offers 15.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE's tighter 11.2 cu ft, a crucial detail for weekend trips.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes CLE wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, offering better stability and grip in variable weather conditions compared to the 4 Series' RWD setup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series provides more usable space for occasional family duty, boasting a significantly larger 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 4 Series

Enthusiasts might prefer the BMW due to its traditional Rear-Wheel Drive layout and slightly smaller dimensions, which often translate to a more engaging driving feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series is the clear value winner, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz CLE's price by $5,400 while offering identical base horsepower figures.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You live in an area requiring better year-round traction, as the CLE comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer the smoother shifting experience provided by the CLE's 9-speed automatic transmission over the BMW's 8-speed unit.
You want a slightly larger physical presence, as the CLE is 191.0 inches long compared to the 4 Series' 187.9 inches.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Maximizing trunk space is essential, given the 4 Series offers a superior 15.5 cu ft cargo volume.
You want to save $5,400 upfront, as the 4 Series MSRP starts at $52,600.
You prioritize a traditional RWD driving dynamic over the standard AWD offered by the Mercedes.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLE	BMW 4 Series
Length	191.0"	187.9"
Width	73.3"	72.9"
Height	56.2"	54.6"
Wheelbase	112.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/574.2 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	15.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	710W	205W
Speaker System	17	10
Subwoofer Count	2	2
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
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	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.0 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.2 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.4 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R18	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and 2026 BMW 4 Series.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE than the 2026 BMW 4 Series?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE has a higher starting MSRP of $58,000, meaning it costs $5,400 more than the base 2026 BMW 4 Series, which starts at $52,600.

Do these coupes have similar power output?

Yes, both the base models deliver identical performance figures, each producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, so neither will feel dramatically quicker off the line.

Which coupe is better for carrying luggage?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series is significantly better for luggage, offering 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is limited to just 11.2 cubic feet.

Is there a major difference in fuel economy?

While both require premium unleaded fuel, the Mercedes CLE quotes a combined 27 MPG (24 City/33 Highway), suggesting it might edge out the 4 Series, whose specific MPG ratings were not provided.

What is the main drivetrain difference between the two?

The Mercedes CLE comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW 4 Series defaults to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with an 8-speed automatic.

Which car is physically larger?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is longer at 191.0 inches compared to the 4 Series’ 187.9 inches, though the Mercedes is also slightly taller at 56.2 inches versus the BMW's 54.6 inches.