2 Series Coupe vs CLE
Choosing between BMW and Mercedes-Benz often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the sports car class, that pair is the 2 Series Coupe and the CLE. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy
On paper, the 2 Series Coupe is a touch ahead here, listing 30 mpg against 27 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better city fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the 2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg compared with 24 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 2 Series Coupe starts from a better baseline.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy
The 2 Series Coupe is slightly stronger on fuel economy (highway). The gap, 35 mpg versus 33 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
On paper, the engine & performance comparison ends all square. Either car will serve you equally well on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the 2 Series Coupe makes the stronger case by a wide margin. In its favor, the 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the 2 Series Coupe is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg CLE: 27 mpg The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg CLE: 24 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The 2 Series Coupe and the CLE list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Coupe if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (30 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 24 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 33 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the CLE?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the CLE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the 2 Series Coupe and the CLE on their merits. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the 2 Series Coupe brings better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the 2 Series Coupe, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the CLE.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.