BMW M4 vs Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 - Which do I buy and why?

BMW M4 vs Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 - Which do I buy and why?
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[@Jdnicks00]

CLE53 should be compared to M440i. M4 has much better performance than CLE53.

[@MuppetsSh0w]

And yet base M4 costs pretty much the same.

[@FrankW1029]

don't think it compares to anything tbh. it's getting what AMG-lite never got previously which is a wider body and dedicated front suspension. This is what people want for the C43 or E43/53, but never got.

[@baron_xd4633]

440i vs cle 450 would be correct

[@clarako183]

should be compare with M4 (non competition mode 480hp)

[@Jdnicks00]

​@MuppetsSh0w Can be, but base M4 is manual and rwd.

[@griffixd2035]

All around the cle looks better except the rear it looks a little soft and fat

[@blackjack21477]

Agreed. The rear end looks like its melting away without any structure

[@MuppetsSh0w]

Droopy tail lights make it look fat instead of muscular and athletic

[@generic9777]

Yeah, the problem I have with most current Mercedes is that the rear end looks like a blob of clay that they put stickers on for the taillights. There just isn't really any confident depth or shape. I also don't like the shoulder crease on the new E- and CLE-class; they kind of just look like they're drawn on with pencil, and they erased the middle part so it doesn't really have direction to it.

[@joshuathomas512]

respect to BMW for still giving us manuals, that's why they're the ultimate driving machines

[@ybh.]

Stock for stock I'm going CLE, but with cosmetic mods the m4 looks better imo

[@user-my4xu4gf1z]

Yea the csl or adro grille and a couple other mods around the car make it so menacing

[@futuretyrant2905]

Well keep in mind we haven’t seen the CLE with cosmetic mods yet, hasn’t even hit the streets yet fr

[@damian7571]

@@futuretyrant2905 i believe the cosmetics designs that people come up with, would be stunning and bring cle to the next level.

[@drepark2294]

M440i xdrive driver here. This car is way too expensive. Mercedes pricing strategy is ridiculous lately.

[@Mister.Unknown]

As a lifelong Mercedes client, It is simply sad to see an in-line 6 AMG coupé have worst exhaust sound than a Non-M BMW . . .

[@HotRodM4]

The 53 is comparable to an M-lite like the M440i. Not the M4.

[@Mr.Lambert777]

Exactly but I’m wondering, did he choose the reg M4 because of the almost similar horsepower figures compared to the CLE53?? 🤔. We all know that the B58 is underrated in horsepower numbers.. I can’t wait for a comparison with the 440i vs the 53 in a drag!

[@hitek3943]

The BMW definitely won this contest. More mature and elegant design and the controls for the climate is not that difficult or hard to understand. Think it's time to stop complain about it

[@ericsternwood9812]

I know this is something you don't usually do, but I'd love to hear your input on the Adro bodykit for the M3/M4.

[@thanosianthemadtitanic]

wonder what the CLE63 will look like?

[@hami_1012]

There are spy pictures of a CLE63 with V8 coming, so that one :)

[@likunjian1850]

the CLE63 would be north of $110,000 for sure

[@ld9387]

Isn't it a hybrid 4 cylinder?

[@fazeobama8872]

latest leaks have the hybrid in the bin and a v8 coming late ​@@ld9387

[@luis_esp7]

@@ld9387No they changed it After the bad sales of the c63

[@ld9387]

​@luis_esp7 there is literally zero confirmation of this.

[@blackjack21477]

The new m4 LCI rear end reminds me so much of Baby Vegeta from DBZ…especially with the CSL ducktail spoiler. I love it

[@StealthyG42]

I own a 2024 M-Sport 230i XDrive but im saving up to buy the CLE 53 as a weekend car, i also like the Lexus RCF V8 too but this CLE looks AMAZING.

[@geofilho6722]

Best Looks are, Front CLE, Rear M4

[@EzraeL91]

Ironic, for me it's the opposite!

[@rolanie3727]

The M440 is still rare enough to keep the tail lights special. I hope my order is a 2025 instead of a 2024...

[@FrankW1029]

i have a 2024 M3, but man, the new CLE53 just look so good. The only issue is reliability which modern MB is really horrific since the introduction of the MBUX, so many reported glitches and failures.

[@gabrielcropano805]

What color would you pick for the Cle?

[@fluxcapacitor]

As for me, I look forward to the 2025 Mercedes CLA electric coupe. The concept was gorgeous!

[@GrumblingForesight]

That’s the one I’m most looking forward as well! In case you missed it, Decoder with Nilay Patel has an interview with Olla Kanellius, Mercedes’ CEO, just released yesterday. He said that the new electric C Class coming in 2026 will be incredibly gorgeous. He even offered a money back guarantee to the host if he is not stunned by the new C Class’ look!

[@brandonperlow9091]

M2 loaded and save a few bucks

[@WayApp]

Simply elegant

[@denzelpick]

M4 [G82] is a NO BRAINER 😊😊😊 THAT'S ART RIGHT THERE...!!!

[@Jazzmaster71]

CLE 53 handsdown.. the sleek looks, performance and interiour is un beatable. And it should be compared with M440 if you want to compare oranges to oranges.

[@Devillemaniac]

Mercedes C204 C63 Amg also had a longer wheelbase compared to the standard models

[@Ray_Stark]

Those CSL taillights don’t fit the design language AT ALL to me. Seemed like such an unnecessary change. But the new DRLs complement the grille shape so nicely. I probably like the CLE AMG more (design wise) but the taillights are wonky and I hate the huge screen infotainment. I like hard buttons I don’t have to look down at to use. This is tough.

[@thorben6464]

Now make a wide and oldschool grille on the m4 and it would be perfect. The rear is way better than the last one imo

[@boukm3n]

Just saw the review by Remove Before Race and the CLE53 hit 3.8 seconds 0-60MPH. Phenomenal styling and ok performance for the price. HOWEVER, the CLE63 is coming with a V8 ENGINE LETS GO

[@caribbeanseas]

No car enthusiast is going to choose an AMG light over a full blown M car

[@jadadpe3873]

The CLE looks nice except for the back. The taillights are an awkward shape and there's no real connection to the rest of the car

[@geminithekid]

Not a fan of Mercedes' new tailights and overall oval design philosophy. Personally I'd take the M4 with the new tailights.

[@Sneeder88]

The S58 sounds better.

[@BrkaKuronja]

I'd get the Audi rs5 coupe obviously it's in the same category and it's the best of the both worlds while looking the best of the 3

[@s.andr1024s]

if I value creature comfort I’m going CLE cuz the Mbux system is miles better than whatever BMW runs but if I’d have to choose it as a weekend car then I’m going M4 all the way.

[@3dScience8]

wtf Bembli 😅 BMW = ❤

[@encoreartz1028]

M4 csl . I like the funky style

[@Coolmaninmotion]

CLE53 but wait for the CLE63 if more power and louder exhausted is on top of the wish list

[@bblifestyle6191]

Whoever still says that M4 grill is bad, instantly tells everybody that he has no taste

[@thorben6464]

Whoever says the m4 grill looks good, instantly tells everybody that he has no taste

[@seansiew5629]

@@thorben6464anyone who owns a Tesla knows crap about cars

[@Aiantaschr]

I don't get it either why would they put the CSL lights on the m440!! I also think they should had kept the aggressive grille for the m3 and m4 and not put it on the standard 4 series!

[@G-MieInternational]

stunning car

[@user-oj8ld9rd9r]

❤M4❤👿😍🤗🚀🤝👍👌

[@Marc-ty5sz]

is crazy how similar these cars are nowadays.

[@MvpAcceleration21]

I,m a Bmw fan but this merc is in top Looks so good! But I want to see m4 in that Mercedes color

[@chiemekaa]

The M4 is 80 grand if you're not getting ANY options, so doesn't compete with the CLE53. That's what the upcoming 63 is for. But I'll take the 53 for the front, and the M4 for the rear. And we can definitely expect the 63 to outprice the M4 Comp.

[@MG-Alexandrovich]

You can get m4 comp executive for around 80k with msrp at 90.

[@kawzx777]

I remember when 80k was the luxury model?...these the babies 😂

[@obieWanmotivation]

While interior & exterior of the Benz is generally more appealing to the eye than most luxury cars in it's competition bracket, overall, the M4 with the S58 engine is a much better option than the CLE53. More speed. More power. More bang for your buck tuning possibilities. It's one of the best dailies on the market for under 100K relative to the performance capabilities. The CLE63 will be comparative to the M4 but at a much higher cost.

[@archimedes2261]

For me the 2025 M4 wins the exterior and interior design competition.

[@after_midnight9592]

Why are tailpipes sticking out so much? This is the only design fail I can see on the CLE. You have the bumper, just round the booty down, don't stick the bottom line out again.

[@user-bk4vl1ur5f]

Easy, the M4 ❤

[@sds2954]

Have to disagree. Saw the new CLE in this black the other day and i consider myself a car enthusiasts and if i wasnt, would have missed that this is a new model. This looks more like a facelifted C Class Coupe than a brand new model. It just does not ooze road presence

[@blackfish4674]

cle53 looks better but m4 PERFORMS substantially better

[@vindevhunta4905]

The AMG looks waaaaaay better that grill and those flared out arches ❤❤❤...i dont care how quick the BMW is or whatever. even the audi RS5 looks better .

[@bradleyfurer7847]

I’d buy a used Shelby GT350

[@docaml]

Waaaaay better design language by Merc. Muchh more balanced and timeless. Great proportions.Few glimpses in interior, like no housing for gauge cluster, no physical buttons and tilted screen. BMW is too randomly angular with no design connections, silly kidneys, strange side proportions. I dare to say- ugly car. As for numbers- that's for kids and professional track drivers. Anyway, good review!

[@KLiangHou]

iDrive 7 is still one of the great infotainment design in this modern generation isn't?

[@hammmodjabeer7278]

BMW engine with few modifications up to 1000 hp

[@Andy090216]

In performance terms, CLE 53 is closer to 440i.... M4 is miles ahead.

[@leonardoantonucci3080]

i love the M4

[@emmo119]

bmw and merc exterior designers need to switch teams. BMW engine and drivetrain is unmatched imo but man do merc design some beautiful cars, generally across the board. That said, the folks at Merc have to be conflicted about their drivetrain & engine choices as of late-- I really think this generation was a lost opportunity for mercedes. Had they not given up the v8 and not gone balls deep on the interior touchscreen madness they would more properly compete with BMW, and that's not to say that BMW interior is perfect by any means. But with all the gloss and touch screens coupled with half ass engines why would any enthusiast want to pay a premium (esp compared to the prior generation) for cars that will be beyond worthless in a few years (e.g. the EQS, EQE, C-class 4 banger, etc ...). In all I really think manufacturers became scared (or had fomo) of the EV evolution (not revolution) with Teslas over recent years that they pivoted their strategies too fast to accommodate way too many things (e.g. ev's, touch screen madness, foolish 4cyl +EMs); when in actuality this all could have been significantly more gradual (e.g. 4 cyls + EM for efficiency, straight 6, 6cyl + EM for sport efficiency, a mix of touch screen and buttons, more special v8 editions instead of v8s in multiple product offerings e.g. m550 vs m5).

[@jetkunedo]

once was a nobrainer towards BMW now is a nobrainer towards the AMG

[@nofollowers_dc4009]

It wasn't a difficult choice... I'd chose pretty much everything else over a bmw these days

[@deathmark1940]

Irl m4 ngs hard specially with csl lights and front lower bumper kit and overall better engine for tuning and better interior quality

[@NotTheMaestro]

Merc all day, it has superior styling inside and out. The screens in the BM are horrible, they took a massive L with their virtual cockpit.

[@QCI99]

I’ll take the M4. In this price range I rather take the car which stands out from the rest and has a better performance. Every mercedes model unfortunately looks the same. The interior quality of mercedes is also really disappointing in comparison with BMW.

[@militanthd6484]

Better performance in what sense?

[@AllanCuttingedge]

@@militanthd6484 At whatever speed M4 is faster. M4 AWD is 150~200kg lighter. I won’t say M4 drives “better” but most people prefer how BMW drives. Also you can spec a manual gearbox or a auto RWD one.

[@boukm3n]

@@AllanCuttingedgesame 0-60 time 3.8 seconds for the CLE53

[@militanthd6484]

@@AllanCuttingedge Lolol I knew he would say faster, if that’s considered better performance then so be it. Sound like later mechanical problems to me

[@yoseph2420]

What better interior quality than a new mercedes fam? 😂

[@redrumcoke2363]

BMW look like they're in cahoots with Mercedes... to sell Mercedes. BMW M designs are all fuggly snorters and Mercedes AMG are badass, but refined (actually, like BMW was not long ago).

[@itisyouthatiadore]

AMG is more special in many ways

[@v8rockz]

M4 looks like s...

[@user-my4xu4gf1z]

M4 rear end looks so much better and so much more aggresive all around. The merc looks bulbous af.. the m4 0-60 2.9 sec new merc 3.8 sec.. and cost more then the m4.. thats slower then a m340i ! Also the m4 inline 6 sounds better then the merc.

[@Juduh]

Merc makes the best sounding German cars.

[@Juduh]

Also the front looks way better than the bmw m4 front end.

[@user-my4xu4gf1z]

@@Juduh they use too* watch reviews of this car. Both I watched mentions that the bmw m3 and m4 sound better stock then the mercs 6 ..

[@bimmerlife5452]

CLE 53 I love bmw hate the new grills

[@MeRacko]

CLE is not only 80grand it is but not AMG

[@drewgreenhalgh9162]

Just wait for the cle63….

[@typxxilps]

mercedes engine is crap, do not buy one of these Try to get a good used one with the 12 cylinder engine, the real beast. You will never find a better one except of a previous generation which are even more reliable and not so expensive to fix. I have one from that era R230, the SL 600. Not really great to work and repair, but lot easier than the most recent one. Mercedes is leaving ICE behind, they will phase out all ice rather sooner than later cause they need the assembly lines cleaned from all the complicated power drive train out of so many party. The conversion is already starting and they will try to build their own electric motors, but they have surplus worker they have no jobs war cause making an engine and the automatic transmission inhouse causes a high pressure to find new jobs for all these workers around and in Stuttgart.

[@perbikelvin219]

I like the M4 better

[@coasterpath]

Mercedes is a better car company, long term service and better car in driving.

[@arthurds1363]

Would much rather spend 55k on a used c63 !

[@stevestogsdill5791]

I choose....Mustang with German tires

[@polyaplus]

Do you really have $80 Grand?

[@faizelphilander6938]

BMW the big boss . M4 👊👊👊👊. Not the direct rival to BMW as the M4 take on the CLE 63S . The M440i the rival to CLE 53 AMG .

[@henm3000]

M4 look like for a punks (sorry beamers), Merc look more Classy. I am looking for Classy and timeless design

[@Wakemeup928]

One of the most beautiful Mercedes design vs one of the most ugly BMW design, there shouldn’t be a comparison, I’d be crazy to choose the 4 over the cle

[@user-vt3or6go7i]

cle is lacking on performance pretty bad

[@hotdognobun]

CLE

[@Mr.Lambert777]

I would take the M4 over this Mercedes. I would even take the 440i xdrive over this.. this Mercedes is too expensive with all the cheap plastics for the interior. Mercedes need to reevaluate their prices.

[@drewgreenhalgh9162]

Bmw is ugly from the front and side. Love the back.

[@BMWCEO]

The CLE 53 is a disappointing rendition of a great line of vehicles

[@Andriy_Orobko1]

Compare with cle63 not 53🗿

[@MrAsaban]

Its the same price so why not

[@Helios_377]

Easy Taycan

[@ertugrulbae46]

You get the M3. M4 isnt as good as last gen Mercedes looks genertic, boring, melted and the same as every other mercedes model...and that too..for 2 generations on the trot M3/M4 has far better drive and performance too

[@abdullakhashabi]

I hate fake air scoops

[@lmc333]

Objectively why do I think these cars, as well designed as they are to cheat the wind, but they are still so boringly ugly ! Older designs are so much better, from decades ago... Think about it... Both of these cars are actually more aligned an alike than ever...

[@jammaschan]

I'd take the RS5 looks wise

[@davidhunternyc1]

The Mercedes AMG is hideous. Can not be redeemed. The M4 looks mannered and forced.

[@coasterpath]

CLE,,, has a bigger brother to look like ,, bmw has nothing

[@hchaud5267]

bmw

[@lawrencef8507]

These are exactly the two cars M4 or CLE53 I'm currently looking at. Both are amazing, M4 I like the exterior slightly better, but CLE53 definitely better interior. Overall CLE53 AMG

[@Yiannis172]

BMW is faster

[@sohaibguennaz3191]

M4 rwd

[@pennfootball71]

Every time you DO NOT pick a BMW M4 over Mercedes anything a puppy dies.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

Easy, the CLE 53. The M4 still has that terrible front grille.

[@JanMoPhukka]

lukewarm ass take

[@AJzilllaPro]

The M4 looks menacing and like it’s going to eat up AMG’s for breakfast.

[@user-my4xu4gf1z]

Eh I use too think the same thing till I saw them in person. They look super wide and aggresive and are instant head turners on the road. The mercedes is subtle and looks nice but it def doesn't have the presence an m4 has. Also this merc cost 85k base US dollars and does 0-60 in 3.8 sec 😂 thats deadass slower then a freakn m340i... a m4 xdrive does 0-60 in 2.9-3.1 sec ..

[@kenanlambo]

​@@user-my4xu4gf1z who cares about the speed bruv, I stopped caring for 0-60 times a decade ago. It all comes down to sound and looks for me, speed is just a bonus, couldn't care less personally

[@AJzilllaPro]

@@user-my4xu4gf1z Literally, also Mercedes glossy interiors look tacky and remind me of Dubai

[@co7013]

Not my sort of car, but I have to give it to the BMW. They are actually pretty similar. But the BMW is sleeker and more angular. More purposeful. Mercedes is too soft looking, And the backlights with the light bar are too EV-ish for my taste. That said, the BMW's grille and those new 3d taillights are hideous and ridiculous.

[@Markuskittelsen]

I'm a BMW guy but everytime I think AMG I think V8 and it just pains me that this one has an I4. Best sounding and performing V8s are from Mercedes

[@philips6182]

New m4 looks too much like a mustang from side view