VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
7.9 s
Engine
2998 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 285 kW while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the CLE uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 511 100 for the 4 Series and R1 485 521 for the CLE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
285 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
7.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
236 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
166 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
4850 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1861-2042 mm
Height
1442 mm
1424 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
129 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1825 DIN / 1900 EU Kg
1850 DIN / 1925 EU Kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
470-1290 l
295 / 385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
555 l
435 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
CLE
Value
CLE
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 485 521)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or CLE?
The 4 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the CLE uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or CLE?
The 4 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the CLE delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and CLE?
The 4 Series starts from R1 511 100 and the CLE from R1 485 521. The CLE is cheaper by R25 579 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or CLE?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the CLE can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the CLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.