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

$50,600 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe bursts onto the scene prioritizing efficiency and practicality, boasting a robust 30 combined MPG and rear-wheel drive dynamics that keen drivers crave. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE captivates with its alluring coupe silhouette and the all-weather confidence of standard all-wheel drive, though it sacrifices some efficiency for style. While both pack identical power figures—255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—the BMW offers a more accessible entry point at $50,600 compared to the Mercedes’ $59,550 MSRP, representing an $8,950 difference. Furthermore, the BMW provides nearly 5.4 cubic feet more cargo space (16.6 cu ft vs. 11.2 cu ft), making it the pragmatic choice for daily driving utility, whereas the CLE commits more fully to sleek, two-door aesthetics, evidenced by its lower 56.2-inch height.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG, significantly reducing fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

With a larger 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity, the 4 Series Gran Coupe offers substantially more practical space for family needs than the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE appeals to enthusiasts with its classic coupe body style and the traction advantage provided by its standard 9-speed automatic paired with all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW undercuts the Mercedes by $8,950 while delivering identical horsepower and better fuel economy, offering superior overall entry value.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize efficiency and want to achieve 35 MPG on the highway.
You need the extra utility provided by 16.6 cu ft of trunk space.
You prefer the traditional balanced handling characteristics of a rear-wheel drive platform starting at only $50,600.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You desire the visual appeal and lower roofline (56.2 inches) of a dedicated two-door coupe.
All-weather traction is essential, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system.
You prefer a transmission with an extra gear ratio, utilizing a 9-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
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 @ 4700 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	421.2/546.0 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	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	245/45R H	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 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE compared to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE commands a significantly higher starting price, listed at $59,550, which is $8,950 more expensive than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's MSRP of $50,600.

Does the performance differ between the two models despite having the same horsepower?

Both vehicles produce an identical 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, but the BMW achieves a better combined MPG rating of 30 versus the CLE's 27 MPG.

Which vehicle is better suited for maximizing passenger/cargo hauling?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the clear winner for hauling, offering 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the 11.2 cubic feet found in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe.

What is the main mechanical difference in the drivetrain setup?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE comes equipped standard with an all-wheel drive system for enhanced grip.

Are there notable differences in size between these vehicles?

Yes, the BMW is slightly smaller overall in length (188.5 inches vs. 191.0 inches for the CLE) but taller (56.8 inches vs. 56.2 inches for the CLE), reflecting the BMW's four-door design emphasis.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and what is their transmission setup?

Both the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE require premium unleaded fuel. The BMW uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the CLE is equipped with a 9-speed automatic.