Compare the2026 Mercedes CLEVS 2026 BMW 4 Series Convertible

The CLE has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CLE. But it costs extra on the 4 Series Convertible.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The CLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the CLE and 4 Series Convertible have rear cross-traffic warning, but the CLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The 4 Series Convertible’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the CLE and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CLE’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the CLE first among upper midsize premium cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The 4 Series Convertible isn’t in the top three in its category.

The CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 120 more horsepower (375 vs. 255) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 295) than the 430i Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The CLE has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (17.4 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes CLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 4 Series Convertible.

For better stopping power the CLE’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Convertible:

For better traction, the CLE has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Convertible (245/45R18 vs. 225/45R18). The CLE’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Convertible (F:245/40R19 & R:275/35R19 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The CLE’s optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 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 4 Series Convertible’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CLE offers optional 20-inch wheels. The 4 Series Convertible’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The CLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The CLE has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4 Series Convertible (88 vs. 84).

The CLE’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The 4 Series Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the 4 Series Convertible, the CLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The CLE’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the CLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the CLE offers optional extendable sun visors. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The CLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 4 Series Convertible.