Compare the2025 BMW Z4VS 2025 Mercedes CLE

Both the Z4 and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Z4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CLE’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the Z4 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 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.

The Z4 M40i’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 Z4 M40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder is faster than the CLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the Z4 gets better mileage than the CLE Cabriolet:

The Z4 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The CLE doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Z4’s 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 Z4 stops much shorter than the CLE:

For better traction, the Z4 M40i Manual’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CLE (F:255/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:245/40R19 & R:275/35R19).

The Z4’s standard 255/40R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CLE’s standard 45 series tires.

The Z4’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.1% to 48.9%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the Z4 more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the Z4’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the CLE’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The BMW Z4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The Z4 is 1 foot, 8.3 inches shorter than the CLE, making the Z4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Z4 has a larger trunk with its top down than the CLE Cabriolet (9.9 vs. 9.6 cubic feet).

With its convertible body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the Z4 offers cargo security. The CLE’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW Z4, based on reliability, safety and performance.