Z4 vs CLE
Both the Z4 and the CLE sit in the sports car class, and BMW and Mercedes-Benz are clearly watching each other. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality CLE wins
- Off-road & Towing CLE wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.0
- 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
-
The CLE has room for 4 seats
The Z4 gives up a lot on seats: 2 seats, compared with 4 seats on the CLE. The CLE has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The CLE has available all-wheel drive
The CLE checks this box; the Z4 doesn’t. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on engine & performance. Treat engine & performance as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to fuel economy & range. On fuel economy & range alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Space & Practicality
CLE leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the CLE leads the space & practicality section with room to spare. The CLE brings room for 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the CLE.
Seats
Z4: 2 seats CLE: 4 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
CLE leads
The CLE does a little better in the off-road & towing section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Z4. On the CLE, you get available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the CLE is the safer choice.
AWD / 4WD available
Z4: no CLE: yes The CLE offers all-wheel drive; the Z4 doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Z4 | 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 | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Z4 | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Z4 | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Z4 | CLE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Z4 | 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 CLE if…
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you already use other Mercedes-Benz products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Z4 or the CLE?
On the specs compared here, the CLE makes more sense for most buyers; the Z4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Z4 and the CLE are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. The CLE earns my vote first and foremost with room for 4 seats. The CLE also scores with available all-wheel drive.
The Z4 makes sense for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the CLE for anyone who values space & practicality.
My pick: the CLE.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.