2026 BMW M3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$78,400 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between raw performance and everyday refinement is tough, especially when the price gap is nearly $19,000. The 2026 BMW M3 brings the heat with 473 hp and a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, appealing directly to the driving purist who values speed over sipping fuel, netting only 19 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers substantial everyday savings; its 27 combined MPG significantly undercuts the BMW, even though it produces only 255 hp and uses an automatic gearbox. The CLE's lower starting MSRP of $59,550 makes it the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers, whereas the M3 demands a premium of $78,400 for its superior output. While the BMW has slightly better cargo space at 16.9 cu ft compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft, the Mercedes excels in efficiency and lower entry cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the M3's 16 MPG in city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW M3

The BMW M3 is the winner for families because its sedan body style offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more practical than the CLE Coupe's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M3

The BMW M3 dominates for driving enthusiasts by offering substantially more power with 473 hp and the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides better value, costing $18,850 less while offering much better fuel efficiency.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

You prioritize absolute performance and want 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
You specifically want the visceral feel of a 6-speed manual transmission in your daily driver.
You need the slightly larger cargo area provided by its sedan configuration, measuring 16.9 cu ft.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Saving money on fuel is crucial, as the CLE returns 27 combined MPG compared to the M3’s 19 MPG.
You prefer the peace of mind and all-weather capability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Your budget is strictly capped near $60,000, as the CLE starts at $59,550, significantly below the M3's $78,400 price tag.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	189.1"	191.0"
Width	74.3"	73.3"
Height	56.6"	56.2"
Wheelbase	112.5"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	473 hp @ 6250 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	6-speed manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/23 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 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	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated 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	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Stereo Power	464W	710W
Speaker System	16	17
Subwoofer Count	2	2
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
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	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.6 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 10.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	285/35R Z	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 M3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more expensive is the 2026 BMW M3 compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The 2026 BMW M3 carries a significant premium, with an MSRP of $78,400, which is $18,850 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's starting price of $59,550.

Which car is better for long highway commutes based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the clear winner for efficiency, delivering 27 combined MPG (24 city/33 highway). The BMW M3 lags behind significantly, achieving only 19 combined MPG (16 city/23 highway).

Does the difference in body style affect cargo space?

Yes, the M3, being a sedan, offers more usable space with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The CLE Coupe is tighter inside, providing only 11.2 cu ft for luggage.

Can I get a manual transmission in the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

No, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE comes exclusively with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The BMW M3 is the only option here if you insist on rowing your own gears with its 6-speed manual.