Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs BMW 4 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW 4 Series opens at $83,500. That makes the BMW 4 Series the more affordable entry point by $21,400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $115,390 and $91,850 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and BMW 4 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 96% for the BMW 4 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW 4 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 6 in the BMW 4 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 4 Series gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 4 Series. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The BMW 4 Series responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 4 Series is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 80mm longer than the BMW 4 Series at 4,770mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 440L in the BMW 4 Series, giving the BMW 4 Series a 55L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 4 Series leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $2,166 (BMW 4 Series). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 4 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 4 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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