2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

$58,000 · Coupe

$50,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE debuts as a pure coupe, radiating classic long-hood elegance with its 191.0-inch length, instantly setting a sophisticated tone, though it commands a $58,000 starting MSRP. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, priced at a more accessible $50,600, offers four-door practicality wrapped in a sleek silhouette, immediately appealing to those prioritizing utility. Both vehicles launch with identical power—a respectable 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—yet the driving feel diverges: the Mercedes opts for standard All-Wheel Drive, while the BMW sticks to classic Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics. The BMW also boasts superior efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CLE’s 27 MPG combined. Furthermore, the BMW squeezes out a practical advantage with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE's tight 11.2 cu ft trunk, making the BMW a compelling, efficient, and spacious alternative to the purely aesthetic focus of the new Mercedes coupe.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for daily commuting due to its better fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the CLE's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the superior choice for families, offering substantially more cargo room at 16.6 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

While power is equal, the Mercedes-Benz CLE's standard All-Wheel Drive system offers more assured traction in varied conditions than the BMW's RWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides a significant advantage by being $7,400 less expensive while offering higher efficiency and cargo space.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You demand the visual purity and dedicated design ethos of a two-door coupe body style.
You prefer the immediate, confidence-inspiring grip provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prioritize the prestige and aesthetic presence of the newly launched Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You need practical access via four doors and a much larger 16.6 cu ft cargo hold.
Saving $7,400 in upfront cost is a major deciding factor.
Maximizing efficiency is key, as the BMW achieves 35 highway MPG versus the CLE's 33 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLE	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Length	191.0"	188.5"
Width	73.3"	72.9"
Height	56.2"	56.8"
Wheelbase	112.8"	112.4"

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	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/574.2 mi.	421.2/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	15.6 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	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
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	—
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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	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.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.2 in.	34.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.4 in.	54.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R18	245/45R H
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.	—
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 Gran Coupe.

Which vehicle has better city fuel economy for my daily drive?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers superior city efficiency, achieving 27 MPG in urban settings compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 24 MPG. This 3 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump for the BMW driver.

How does the drivetrain setup differ between these two luxury cars?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a 9-speed transmission, providing enhanced grip. In contrast, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe utilizes a traditional Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Is the cargo space significantly different for weekend trips?

Yes, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is substantially more practical, boasting 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe is restrictive with only 11.2 cubic feet, which is a difference of over five cubic feet.

Since both cars have 255 horsepower, will they feel the same on the road?

While horsepower and torque (295 lb-ft) are identical, the driving feel will differ due to transmission tuning and drive type. The BMW’s RWD setup often favors a more engaging, purer driving feel, whereas the CLE’s AWD prioritizes stability and traction.

How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE carries a significant premium, starting at an MSRP of $58,000. This places it $7,400 higher than the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's starting MSRP of $50,600.

Are there any mandatory fuel requirements for either model?

Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe require the use of premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance, as specified by their respective manufacturers.