4 Series vs CLE
Different logos, same mission. The 4 Series and the CLE both want to be your next car. Across 4 compared areas, the 4 Series takes 1. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- 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 4 Series has better fuel economy
The 4 Series has a modest edge on fuel economy (combined): 31 mpg against 27 mpg for the CLE. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 28 mpg on the 4 Series versus 24 mpg on the CLE. Expect to notice it. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
It’s a small lead (36 mpg versus 33 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the 4 Series. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Call the engine & performance round a draw. The engine & performance verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the 4 Series isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. Point to the 4 Series for better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the 4 Series is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg CLE: 27 mpg The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg CLE: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 4 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the 4 Series nor the CLE has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
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. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | 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 | 4 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | 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 4 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 27 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 33 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 4 Series or the CLE?
On the specs compared here, the 4 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the CLE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the 4 Series and the CLE. I just have opinions about the numbers. To me, the standout is that the 4 Series offers better fuel economy. Stack better highway fuel economy on top of that, and the 4 Series’s lead grows.
If fuel economy & range is your thing, the 4 Series fits. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters more, the CLE makes more sense.
My pick: the 4 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.