Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs BMW 4 Series

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.

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.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 4 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW 4 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.

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.

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.

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.