VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
347 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
9.7 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5 s
4.2 s
Engine
2998 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-AMG CLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 285 kW while the Mercedes-AMG CLE produces 347 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 8.0 l/100km while the CLE uses 9.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 512 107 for the 4 Series and R2 090 834 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
347 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5 s
4.2 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
9.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
217 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770 mm
4853 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1935-2042 mm
Height
1393 mm
1434 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2875 mm
Ground Clearance
129 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1735 DIN / 1810 EU Kg
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
440 l
410 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
485 l
420 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
✓ Standard
Optional
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 / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CLE
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 512 107)
Less power than rival (285 kW vs 347 kW)
Mercedes-AMG CLE
More powerful engine (347 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or CLE?
The 4 Series uses 8.0 l/100km and the CLE uses 9.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series 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 347 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The CLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and CLE?
The 4 Series starts from R1 512 107 and the CLE from R2 090 834. The 4 Series is cheaper by R578 727 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.