Compare the2025 BMW M2VS 2024 Mercedes AMG CLE

The BMW M2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The M2’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG CLE.

Both the M2 and the AMG CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The M2’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLE’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG CLE.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes With 28 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 20 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The M2’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 30 more horsepower (473 vs. 443) than the AMG CLE’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The M2’s optional 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 30 more horsepower (473 vs. 443) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 413) than the AMG CLE’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

The M2 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For better stopping power the M2’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLE:

For better traction, the M2 has larger front tires than the AMG CLE (275/35R19 vs. 265/40R19).

The M2’s 275/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG CLE’s standard 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG CLE.

The BMW M2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 600 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLE.

The M2 is 10.7 inches shorter than the AMG CLE, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M2 a Compact car, while the AMG CLE is rated a Subcompact.

The M2 has a much larger trunk than the AMG CLE Coupe (13.8 vs. 11.2 cubic feet).

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M2 offers cargo security. The AMG CLE’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The M2 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.