Compare the2025 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2024 Mercedes AMG CLE

The BMW 2 Series 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 2 Series’ 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 2 Series 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, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLE’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, 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 rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The AMG CLE isn’t in the top three in its category.

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 BMW 2 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 950 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLE.

The 230i is 12 inches shorter than the AMG CLE, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the 2 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 2 Series a Compact car, while the AMG CLE is rated a Subcompact.

The 2 Series Coupe 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 2 Series offers cargo security. The AMG CLE’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The 2 Series 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.

The 2 Series is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG CLE doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG CLE isn’t in the top three.