8 Series 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 8 Series and the CLE. This is a genuine trade-off. The 8 Series is stronger when it comes to engine & performance, while the CLE pulls ahead on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 8 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CLE wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- 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 8 Series has 80 hp more power
The CLE is clearly behind on total system output (255 hp against 335 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 8 Series has 73 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the 8 Series is in a different league: 368 lb-ft, next to 295 lb-ft for the CLE. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The CLE has better fuel economy
The difference is minor (27 mpg against 24 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the CLE wins it. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The CLE has better city fuel economy
The 8 Series comes close with 21 mpg; the CLE does slightly better with 24 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The CLE has better highway fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 33 mpg for the CLE, 29 mpg for the 8 Series. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
8 Series leads
The 8 Series clearly takes the engine & performance round. On the 8 Series, you get 80 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If engine & performance is your priority, the 8 Series is the car to pick.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp CLE: 255 hp The 8 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
8 Series: 368 lb-ft CLE: 295 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
CLE leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the CLE is comfortably ahead. Point to the CLE for better fuel economy. The CLE uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the CLE.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg CLE: 27 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
8 Series: 21 mpg CLE: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CLE has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The 8 Series and the CLE match each other closely in this area. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the 8 Series and the CLE each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 27 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 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 8 Series if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (368 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to BMW and happy with it
Choose the CLE if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (27 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 8 Series or the CLE?
The 8 Series and the CLE split the comparison (engine & performance for the 8 Series, fuel economy & range for the CLE), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the 8 Series versus the CLE shows that nicely. My main argument for the 8 Series? It comes with 80 hp more power. The CLE’s strongest argument is better fuel economy.
I’d steer engine & performance fans toward the 8 Series and fuel economy & range fans toward the CLE.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the 8 Series leaning toward engine & performance and the CLE toward fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.