2026 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$52,600 · Coupe

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2026 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the initial cost, with the 4 Series priced at $52,600, a full $6,950 less than the CLE's $59,550 MSRP. Performance figures are identical, as both base models generate 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making power output a non-factor in the decision. A significant technical difference appears in efficiency and drivetrain: the CLE achieves a combined 27 MPG with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 9-speed automatic, while the RWD 4 Series rating is not specified but often lags when RWD is compared directly to equivalent AWD setups. Dimensionally, the CLE is longer at 191.0 inches compared to the 4 Series' 187.9 inches, though the 4 Series offers superior utility with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. Both require premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and standard AWD for better all-weather predictability during daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series provides 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more usable space than the CLE's 11.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the 4 Series' 8-speed, potentially offering a more granular and responsive driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series carries a $6,950 lower entry MSRP while offering identical baseline horsepower and torque figures.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the $52,600 MSRP versus the CLE's $59,550.
Maximum trunk space is required, as the 4 Series offers 15.5 cu ft compared to 11.2 cu ft.
The driver prefers a traditional Rear Wheel Drive platform for its specific handling characteristics.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Superior fuel efficiency is mandatory, evidenced by the CLE's documented 27 combined MPG.
All-Wheel Drive capability is desired for enhanced traction in varying weather conditions.
The driver values the incrementally larger dimensions (191.0 inches length) and the 9-speed transmission.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front 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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 gal.	17.4 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	27 MPG

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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

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
Subwoofer Count	2	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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 Manual Adjustments	2-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
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the exact fuel efficiency difference between these two coupes?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is rated at 27 combined MPG (24 city/33 highway). While the 2026 BMW 4 Series specifications provided do not list an official MPG rating, its RWD configuration typically results in lower efficiency than the CLE's standard AWD setup in comparative testing.

Are the performance figures actually different between the 4 Series and the CLE?

No, based on the specifications provided, the base engines are identical in output, both producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The difference in transmission count (8-speed vs. 9-speed) may lead to slightly different acceleration feel, however.

Which vehicle provides more usable interior space for storage?

The BMW 4 Series wins decisively on cargo utility, offering 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is restricted to 11.2 cubic feet, making the 4 Series more practical for luggage or groceries.

Why is the Mercedes-Benz CLE significantly more expensive?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE has an MSRP that is $6,950 higher, primarily attributable to the inclusion of standard All-Wheel Drive and potentially higher standard feature content that justifies the premium price point.

Are both cars dimensionally similar in size?

They are close, but the CLE is marginally larger overall, measuring 191.0 inches in length versus the 4 Series at 187.9 inches. The CLE is also slightly wider (73.3 in vs 72.9 in) and taller (56.2 in vs 54.6 in).

Do both cars require premium gasoline?

Yes, both the 2026 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE list premium unleaded as their required fuel type, indicating that their high-compression turbocharged engines rely on higher octane for peak performance.