2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 BMW 5 Series

$58,000 · Coupe

$59,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and the 2026 BMW 5 Series Sedan is fuel economy, with the CLE achieving 27 combined MPG versus the 5 Series' unstated efficiency (implying a difference based on engine/drive type context, though the CLE leads in stated efficiency). The Mercedes CLE starts at a lower MSRP of $58,000 compared to the BMW's $59,900. Both vehicles deliver identical power figures of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, but they employ different transmissions: a 9-speed in the CLE versus an 8-speed in the 5 Series. A major functional difference is cargo capacity, where the 5 Series Sedan offers a superior 18.4 cu ft compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. Furthermore, the 5 Series is substantially longer at 199.2 inches, while the CLE measures 191.0 inches overall, impacting interior and trunk space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE achieves a rated 27 combined MPG, suggesting better daily running costs compared to the RWD 5 Series.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series Sedan offers significantly more cargo volume at 18.4 cu ft, which is essential for family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the 5 Series' 8-speed, potentially offering a marginal edge in gear selection responsiveness.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes CLE has a lower entry price point at $58,000 while matching the BMW's 255 horsepower output.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Your budget ceiling is $58,000, as the CLE is $1,900 less expensive.
You prefer the slightly higher fuel economy rating of 27 combined MPG.
You value a more compact footprint, measuring 191.0 inches in length.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Maximizing storage is critical, thanks to the 18.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
You require the added interior volume provided by the sedan body style and greater dimensions (199.2 inches long, 59.6 inches high).
You prefer a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) layout over the CLE's All Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLE	BMW 5 Series
Length	191.0"	199.2"
Width	73.3"	74.8"
Height	56.2"	59.6"
Wheelbase	112.8"	117.9"

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 Height 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	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
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.	15.9 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	✓	—
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
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	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	710W	205W
Speaker System	17	12
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	✓	✓
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-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	8-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.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.2 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.4 in.	56.9 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	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R18	245/45R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season

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 5 Series.

How does the power delivery differ between the two vehicles?

Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and the 2026 BMW 5 Series produce an identical 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the CLE employs a 9-speed automatic, while the 5 Series uses an 8-speed automatic, which could affect acceleration feel at the limit.

Is the extra length of the BMW 5 Series worth the trade-off in efficiency?

The BMW 5 Series is 8.2 inches longer (199.2 inches vs. 191.0 inches), contributing directly to its significantly larger 18.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. This longer body correlates with the efficiency gap, as the CLE is stated to achieve 27 MPG combined.

Which vehicle requires premium fuel?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its stated performance and efficiency figures. The 2026 BMW 5 Series only recommends premium unleaded, potentially allowing for a slightly lower running cost if owners opt for lower octane when not maximizing performance.

What is the main benefit of the CLE's All-Wheel Drive versus the 5 Series' RWD?

The CLE's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system generally provides better traction and stability in low-grip conditions, such as rain or light snow. Conversely, the 5 Series' Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) layout is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for a different dynamic balance.

Does the $1,900 price difference reflect feature parity?

No, the $1,900 difference ($58,000 for CLE vs $59,900 for 5 Series) does not imply parity, as the 5 Series is a larger sedan with substantially greater cargo volume (18.4 cu ft). The CLE offers a lower starting price but in a two-door coupe configuration.

How does the transmission affect the driving experience?

The CLE features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, offering one more gear ratio than the 5 Series' 8-speed automatic. A higher gear count often aids in smoother cruising at highway speeds and can contribute marginally to the stated 27 combined MPG of the CLE.