Compare the2025 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2024 Mercedes 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 CLE doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Full-time four-wheel drive is optional on the 2 Series. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the CLE.

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 CLE.

Both the 2 Series and the 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 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 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 CLE.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The 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 M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 7 more horsepower (382 vs. 375) than the CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the M240i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder is faster than the CLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series gets better mileage than the CLE Coupe:

The 2 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CLE doesn’t offer launch control.

The 2 Series stops shorter than the CLE:

The 2 Series’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.4% to 48.6%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the 2 Series more stable handling and braking.

The M240i Coupe xDrive handles at .98 G’s, while the CLE 450 Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the 2 Series’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the CLE’s (36.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The 2 Series xDrive’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the CLE’s (38.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The BMW 2 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The 230i is 12 inches shorter than the 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 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 CLE Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The 2 Series Coupe has a much larger trunk than the 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 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 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 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 CLE isn’t in the top three.