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BMW 4 Series Convertible vs Mercedes CLE Convertible comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 472 HP), boot space and price (52,600 £ vs 53,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 4 Series Convertible or Mercedes CLE Convertible?

BMW 4 Series Convertible vs Mercedes CLE Convertible: Key differences

BMW 4 Series Convertible

  • only slightly cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
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Mercedes CLE Convertible

  • barely more efficient
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By Achim Sedelmaier

4 Series Convertible

Overview: BMW 4 Series Convertible VS Mercedes CLE Convertible — what this comparison is about

BMW 4 Series Convertible VS Mercedes CLE Convertible pits a driver-focused premium cabrio against a refined grand‑tourer that prioritises comfort. The BMW 4 Series Convertible feels taut, precise and a touch more emotional when you push it, while the Mercedes CLE Convertible emphasises calm, insulation and open‑air usability. Both aim at buyers who want four seats and real long‑distance manners, but they reach that goal with different priorities and different costs. Read on to see which trade-offs matter most for your daily routes, weekend tours and parking-lot realities.

CLE Convertible

Character and driving dynamics: sharper cruiser or relaxed GT?

The BMW 4 Series Convertible leans into steering feel and driver engagement — it rewards someone who enjoys cornering and a more direct connection to the road. The Mercedes CLE Convertible presents a gentler, more composed driving personality that soaks up speed and invites relaxed cruising rather than aggressive inputs. BMW’s sportier setup can feel firmer over sharp bumps and is better suited to enthusiastic drivers; Mercedes trades a bit of that immediacy for steadier composure and a less intrusive ride. If you crave palpable feedback and sharper turn‑in, the BMW will please; if you prefer to arrive composed and undisturbed, the CLE is the smarter companion.

4 Series Convertible

Comfort and long‑distance behaviour: quiet motorway cruiser versus all‑season open‑air comfort

On long runs the Mercedes CLE Convertible is the archetypal GT — exceptionally quiet with active wind‑management features that make open‑top motoring viable in more seasons. The BMW 4 Series Convertible surprises for a fabric‑roof car with strong noise insulation and a stable, highway‑confident setup, especially with adaptive damping fitted. Mercedes tends to prioritise plushness and seat comfort for hours on end, whereas BMW balances comfort with a firmer, more controlled feel that keeps body motions in check through corners. For non‑stop, dialog‑friendly journeys the CLE has the edge; for an engaging long trip that still stays refined, the BMW hits a sweet middle ground.

Cabin feel, perceived quality and controls: tactile precision against calm luxury

The BMW 4 Series Convertible projects a modern, driver‑centric cabin with crisp materials and a physical rotary controller that simplifies interactions on the move. The Mercedes CLE Convertible wraps occupants in a softer, more lounge‑like ambience with a large, tiltable screen and generous ambient lighting, but some trim details don’t always match the price tag. BMW’s interface and switchgear feel engineered for purposeful use, while Mercedes trades some of that immediacy for an elegant presentation and a slightly more screen‑centric control philosophy. If you value tactile ergonomics and a cockpit that keeps distractions down while driving, BMW favours you; if you want a serene, hotel‑like interior to enjoy from the passenger seat, the CLE will appeal more.

Practicality, city friendliness and everyday usability: space and luggage trade-offs

Both convertibles suffer the usual compromises of the class, but the Mercedes CLE Convertible makes some sensible concessions with fold‑down rear seats and a slightly more usable rear bench, which helps on family errands. The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers roomy front seats and a very well thought‑out driver position, yet its rear accommodation and luggage usability shrink noticeably when the roof is stowed and there’s no full folding rear bench. In town both cars are long‑doored and can be awkward in tight parking, so camera packages and sensors become essential — BMW’s visibility aides feel geared to compensating for a sportier silhouette, Mercedes relies more on electronic assistance. For practical buyers who occasionally need rear‑seat flexibility or easier luggage stowage, the CLE is the more forgiving choice; for buyers who put driver ergonomics and front‑seat comfort first, the BMW is the better fit.

Buyer fit and trade‑offs: which buyer should favour which car before the spec sheet

If you’re a driver who prioritises engagement, a crisp steering feel and a premium cockpit that behaves like a tool, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is the natural fit and will reward spirited use without feeling gratuitously harsh. If you’re a couple or a frequent long‑distance traveller who values refined isolation, four‑season open‑top usability and a more forgiving rear seat, the Mercedes CLE Convertible aligns better with that lifestyle. Both cars are premium and carry a level‑of‑options trap — pricing and spec choices will quickly change the character and daily comfort of each model, so buyer decisions hinge on which compromises you accept. The technical comparison that follows will unpack those spec trade‑offs so you can match engines, suspension and option packages to the real‑world fit you just read about.

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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

4 Series Convertible

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 4 Series Convertible is only slightly cheaper – starting at 52,600 £ , while the Mercedes CLE Convertible costs 53,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 580 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes CLE Convertible uses 4.9 L/100km and is barely more efficient than the BMW 4 Series Convertible with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

CLE Convertible

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 4 Series Convertible offers somewhat more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 472 HP. That’s roughly 58 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 3.7 s, while the Mercedes CLE Convertible takes 4.4 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 4 Series Convertible delivers somewhat more torque with 700 Nm compared to 560 Nm. That’s about 140 Nm more.

4 Series Convertible

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 4 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 4 Series Convertible is marginally lighter – 1,765 kg compared to 1,925 kg. The difference is around 160 kg.

Boot capacity is identical – both offer 385 L of storage.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes CLE Convertible carries barely more – 435 kg compared to 420 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 4 Series Convertible leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £52,600
4 Series Convertible

BMW 4 Series Convertible

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 184 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.2 - 10.2 L/100km
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BMW 4 Series Convertible
Mercedes CLE Convertible

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series Convertible blends coupe-like elegance with open-top drama, its sleek profile and distinctive grille demanding attention whether the roof’s up or down. Behind the wheel it serves up taut handling and a refined ride, making it a rewarding choice for drivers who want sporty character without sacrificing everyday comfort — and yes, it looks spectacular when you drop the top.

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Reviews BMW 4 Series Convertible

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Mercedes CLE Convertible

The Mercedes CLE Convertible drops its roof with the kind of poise you'd expect from a luxury cruiser, wrapping elegant lines and a plush cabin into a composition that's equally at home on coastal roads or city boulevards. Behind the wheel it balances comfort and sporty intent, making it an appealing pick for buyers who want a refined open-top experience without shouting for attention — and yes, it even makes the commute feel like a weekend escape.

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Reviews Mercedes CLE Convertible

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Costs and Consumption
Price
52,600 - 97,800 £
Price
53,200 - 109,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 10.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 9.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
136 - 231 g/km
co2
128 - 218 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
66 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Convertible
Body Type
Convertible
Seats
4
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
2
Curb weight
1,765 - 2,055 kg
Curb weight
1,925 - 2,110 kg
Trunk capacity
385 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 385 L
Length
-
Length
4,850 - 4,853 mm
Width
1,852 - 1,887 mm
Width
1,861 mm
Height
-
Height
1,424 - 1,435 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
345 - 420 kg
Payload
380 - 435 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
184 - 530 HP
Power HP
193 - 472 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 8.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.4 - 9.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
220 - 250 km/h
Torque
300 - 700 Nm
Torque
250 - 560 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
135 - 390 kW
Power kW
142 - 347 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, F, D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the BMW 4 Series Convertible?

The BMW 4 Series Convertible is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.