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

[@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.

[@popisolation]

I've never heard a man say he doesn't like it soft and fat from the back. Wild!

[@kubson2920]

taillights are terrible compering to previous E , C or S class in coupe

[@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.

[@ybh.]

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

[@G82Watts]

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.

[@philipilizarov4624]

I am a BMW fan but to be honest with you, I always thought Mercedes are a lot more beautiful lol. They are absolutely gorgeous machines and I envy them for it. Not that BMW is bad but Mercedes just takes sexiness to a different level.

[@jiggerkandola9400]

You are not a bmw fan. All your comments are about Mercedes’

[@DJBassTi91]

Since I had to decide between both cars as my daily driver, I can tell you that in Europe the M4 performance is slightly more expensive than the CLE. The performance of the M4 is slightly better as well. If you are looking for a real sporty performance car, go for the M4. I decided to go with the CLE since you can configure it a bit more classy and the comfort mode as well as the seats are a better fit for longer distances. At the end it comes down what you are expecting from such a car.

[@Foregrlz]

THIS!!! I'd rather the luxurious finishes of the MB over the sporty drive of the M4 .....

[@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.

[@joshuathomas512]

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

[@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!

[@jr1885]

Wrong. CLE 450 vs M440i. The CLE 53 is M4 money.

[@annenominous7220]

Wrong, you dont compare based on money, you compare based on beauty, performance, size and features... all else being equal, money is least important. That is why not many of drive a Bently Speed. sigh...

[@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.

[@thanosianthemadtitanic]

wonder what the CLE63 will look like?

[@geofilho6722]

Best Looks are, Front CLE, Rear M4

[@EzraeL91]

Ironic, for me it's the opposite!

[@evssc2340]

You have a lot of reason

[@annenominous7220]

front end of the M4 is deadly gorgeous... will cause a lot of accidents from people steering into you while mesmerized.

[@lovetoride9646]

I agree with you about the attractive Mercedes exterior but the interior is cheap. Because of the superior interior quality and sporty driving nature of the BMW I purchased the M440.

[@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.

[@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.

[@blazinggem_69420]

m440i compares to cle450. Both have around 380hp. I think the cle53 competes with non competition m4 with around 475 smth horsepower

[@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

[@FurioSS_]

Picked CLE53 over M4 , a bit slower but much more "luxurious" and better looking car.

[@mjb0183]

I agree. First car was a 1993 Mustang 5.0 LX…..then I owned a couple corvettes. The CLE blows the BMW away in the “looks” department. I’m not going to be in drag races on the street. The aggressive look and style of this car will say enough…..I want luxurious performance and style. The CLE is the winner for me.

[@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!

[@rolanie3727]

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

[@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.

[@G82Watts]

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]

​@@G82Watts 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]

@@G82Watts Literally, also Mercedes glossy interiors look tacky and remind me of Dubai

[@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 . . .

[@themercedestraveler9566]

In usa it sounds good.

[@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

[@annenominous7220]

Meh, Audi S5 with common mods does 2.8 seconds. Adds about 5k to the price, and voids the warranty, OHHH> NOOO>

[@drepark2294]

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

[@brandonperlow9091]

M2 loaded and save a few bucks

[@nataka48]

Can you make an updated one now? Both cars are released.

[@snikt2121]

Great video ! What do you think of the Merc rims ?

[@denzelpick]

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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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.

[@geminithekid]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@G82Watts]

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.

[@G82Watts]

@@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 ..

[@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.

[@KLiangHou]

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

[@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.

[@G82Watts]

If im spending 90k im not buying an AMG that does 0-60 in 3.8 sec over a m4 comp xdrive that does it in 2.8sec.. AMG seems to be just a fashion statement these days. M4 with an adro front or csl and front lip while being lowered looks so menacing. I think after mods the m4 actually looks better. But stock for stock this merc does take it. Like i said though im not paying 90k for a car with the perfromance of a m340i.

[@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!

[@brianmiller1977]

"Mainly by Design".... I would say most people who want a sports car more heavily weight performance, and in performance the AMG is Nowhere in the same universe as a G82CXD, esp one is going to mod & tune.. AMG looks nice, but its heavier & with less HP, a car more for the guy who wants a luxury car with a little performance more aligned/comparable with an RS5.. Whereas the M4CXD is performance centric platform.. Also, what is its performance gains with basic mods & tuning? a M4 Comp XDrive will gain 200WHP & 200LBS with just downpipes, drop in air filters, & tuning, also in a lighter platform with optional Ceramic brakes. If you weight performance, theres not much that compares to a G80/G82 CXD..

[@toonie-2ni]

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.

[@Devillemaniac]

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

[@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.

[@gabrielcropano805]

What color would you pick for the Cle?

[@stevenbenton2061]

In 2024 (and in 2023), Consumer Reports rated BMW as the #1 maker of automobiles sold in the United States, excelling in customer satisfaction and reliability. They also recommended that you “DO not buy any Mercedes.” Oh-oh.

[@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? 😂

[@aaronnaser3928]

Even though the the cle probably lacks in performance compared to the bmw, at least it doesn’t have weird looking grills. BMW NEEDS RO FIX THEIR GRILLS.

[@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

[@landinassociates3133]

Needs a proper wing to enhance the subpar rear end.

[@Coolmaninmotion]

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

[@annoymouse890]

Ive never realised how similar the two look from the side

[@annenominous7220]

its odd but real, almost all sedans/coupes, even the honda accord, look alike from the side.

[@kingstrike]

Some people sounds naive and lack of knowledge to the concept of sport performance luxury car brands. BMW M4 has no business with a car like CLE 53 which is an AMG-Enhanced car! Even the BMW M440i outperform the CLE53 by big margin!

[@deathmark1940]

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

[@veselingramatikov]

All those are too big and heavy for coupe`s. The old audi A5 sportsback 4-doors is smaller and rooflineis lower + more space.

[@3dScience_uk]

wtf Bembli 😅 BMW = ❤

[@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).

[@TymaDem]

Hands down an M4. It’s not good looking, but boy it’s great performer, especially compared to that merc

[@eyubmusayev785]

Im not gonna lie, CLE looks better than m3/m4 but someone inside me says don’t sell your g80 comp and buy this:))

[@caribbeanseas]

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

[@Sneeder88]

The S58 sounds better.

[@nofollowers_dc4009]

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

[@SandyKnapen]

Easy, the M4 ❤

[@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

[@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!

[@b.squared]

im amg fan boy since a kid however BMW owns amg all day when it cmes to handling and power imo

[@nimish2073]

15:47 It feels "QUALITY" LOL among mainstream germans(audi bmw porsche merc), merc has THE WORST build quality. And it's proved concept.

[@Larkc-ty5sz]

is crazy how similar these cars are nowadays.

[@issamirza8656]

not even a question, will be the m car all day long, guys buying mercs buy it for the 'cool interior lights and big screens;

[@torrhthc4103]

Cle53 is not the same league as M4, it should be compared to M440. Soft amg vs soft M.

[@xanderunderwoods3363]

Honda Accord black gloss in a 6 figue CLE? Hard pass, especially with that awful center infotainment. It will totally wash out in the sun at that angle and HVAC is unnecessarly frustrating to use. Yes Bmw is ugly, but no gloss black in a much better angle for the infotainment, does make a big difference. Also the BMW is much more of a performance vehicle.

[@aaronnaser3928]

The front design is bad. It’s like a joke. Mercedes rear is a bit awkward, but it doesn’t try to look horrid unlike bmw. Even though BMWs infotainment is more practical, the exterior and interior is lacking class. That’s how much bmw is losing.

[@archimedes2261]

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

[@stephen7627]

i love the cle front but the m4 rear

[@solotopp]

AH yes, imagining me having 80k to blow on a car right now. What a nice thought.

[@v12-s65]

in my country the cle is actually a lot cheaper than the m4

[@Andy090216]

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

[@tremoo5987]

The CLE looks great

[@Ахи-б9х]

❤M4❤👿😍🤗🚀🤝👍👌

[@bradleyfurer7847]

I’d buy a used Shelby GT350

[@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).

[@hammmodjabeer7278]

BMW engine with few modifications up to 1000 hp

[@dretax14]

I'm going for CLE53.

[@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

[@snikt2121]

So dated now and no new ones coming

[@MadaraUchiha-fg6pz]

CLE looks better but can’t perform with the current m4.

[@coasterpath]

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

[@abdullakhashabi]

I hate fake air scoops

[@WayApp]

Simply elegant

[@encoreartz1028]

M4 csl . I like the funky style

[@kawzx777]

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

[@johnestrada1240]

I HATE the Mercedes rims. They remind me of electric vehicle wheels. I would add the BMW rims in black

[@joaomiguel178]

None you go for the Porsche

[@slm8025]

80 grand? Germany says it is $90,000 euros($100, 000 USD). Sad is, Mercedes and BMW are selling cars for looks- let's see all these great NEW cars in 4 years from now, with used car lot has them for $30,000, (or less) with all those wonderful codes going off. Take all the Stuff out and make a car that lasts- that is what Mercedes/BMW need to start back to- not $100,000 disposable go-carts for the wealthy. like a kid looking in the toy store window, toys break. I'll keep my 2012 250C- 35mpg and 60 to 132mph in around 6 sec- way too fast for the USA! LOL!!! (heated steering wheel? really????) Great review tho- all about "looks", it will look great too on the side of the road firing off codes like the 4th of July in the outback of Wyoming ending that road trip quickly! (LOOKS? I'm on the Mercedes because you look at it, you can see my 2012 250C that saved the COUPE for Mercedes from the Prego-early 2000 coupes that brought the question back then,..., "Should we waste the paint on this?" LOL! good to see my 250C still alive in a $100,000 Mercedes, 12 years later)

[@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

[@pennfootball71]

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

[@To6789sa]

I DONT THINK I WILL BE TAKING CAR DESIGN ADVICE FROM YOU WEARING A SHITTY WALMART GREY SWEATSHIRT AND A TRUCKER HAT

[@jamesbudd9987]

Like the back of the Mercedes better. The m4 looks to much like s mustang.

[@polyaplus]

Do you really have $80 Grand?

[@MeRacko]

CLE is not only 80grand it is but not AMG

[@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.

[@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.