Compare the2025 BMW M4VS 2024 Mercedes AMG CLE

The BMW M4 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 M4’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG CLE.

Both the M4 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The M4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLE’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M4 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 M4’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 M4 Competition’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 60 more horsepower (503 vs. 443) and 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 413) than the AMG CLE’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The M4 Competition xDrive’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (523 vs. 443) and 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 413) than the AMG CLE’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The M4 CS’ standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 100 more horsepower (543 vs. 443) and 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 413) than the AMG CLE’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

The M4 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For better stopping power the M4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLE:

The M4 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the M4 has larger front tires than the AMG CLE (275/40R18 vs. 265/40R19).

The BMW M4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 100 to 600 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLE.

The M4’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M4 Coupe a Compact car, while the AMG CLE is rated a Subcompact.

The M4 Coupe has 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG CLE (91 vs. 88).

The M4 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the AMG CLE Coupe (15.5 vs. 11.2 cubic feet).

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M4 offers cargo security. The AMG CLE’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The BMW M4 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG CLE isn’t available as a convertible.

The M4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.