Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
AMG® and 4MATIC® are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
harman/kardon® and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet vs. 2026 BMW 4 Series Convertible: Full Comparison
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet comes standard with a 660W Burmester 3D Surround Sound System and AIRSCARF neck-warming on every trim. Both the CLE Cabriolet and BMW 4 Series Convertible open with 255 hp and matching 4-year/50,000-mile warranties, making the differences in content matter more. This page breaks down specs, tech, safety, and ownership details, with in-stock CLE Cabriolet inventory available now.
The Short Answer
The 2026 CLE Cabriolet is a strong choice for buyers who want an open-air car that is well-equipped before options are added: standard 4MATIC® AWD, a 17-speaker Burmester audio system, AIRSCARF neck-warming, AIRCAP wind deflection, and an 11-airbag passive safety structure are all standard. The BMW 4 Series Convertible matches the base engine output and warranty terms, and it returns better fuel economy in base form, but neck warming, premium audio, and AWD all require upgrades or options on the BMW side. The CLE Cabriolet rewards buyers who value standard-fit luxury; the 4 Series Convertible suits the buyer who wants rear-wheel drive dynamics and a lighter, more customizable package.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2026 CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet | 2026 BMW 430i Convertible |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo, 48V mild hybrid | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo I4, 48V mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC® AWD (standard) | RWD standard; xDrive AWD optional |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 23 city / 33 hwy / 26 combined | 28 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined |
| Seating | 4 | 4 |
| Length | 191.0 in | 188.0 in |
| Height | 56.1 in | 54.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | 9.6 cu ft | 10.6 cu ft (top up) / ~8.0 cu ft (top down) |
| Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi New Vehicle Limited Warranty |
The headline numbers are nearly identical at the entry powertrain. The CLE Cabriolet is 3 inches longer and slightly taller, while the BMW is the more fuel-efficient model by EPA measure. AWD is standard on every CLE Cabriolet trim through 4MATIC®. The 4 Series Convertible starts with rear-wheel drive; xDrive costs extra.
Full CLE Cabriolet specs and trim breakdown
Performance and Powertrain
Both convertibles launch with identical rated output at the base level: 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 48V mild hybrid support. The CLE pairs that engine with a 9-speed automatic; the BMW uses an 8-speed.
The CLE Cabriolet lineup extends upward in ways the 4 Series Convertible does not match directly at the same body style. The CLE 450 4MATIC® Cabriolet steps to a 3.0L Inline-6 turbocharged engine with 48V mild hybrid, and the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet adds an AMG-enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 with an electric auxiliary compressor. BMW's 3.0L M440i Convertible is available as the comparable upper-tier option on the 4 Series side.
4MATIC® all-wheel drive is standard across all three CLE Cabriolet trims. On the 4 Series Convertible, xDrive AWD is an available upgrade. Buyers in markets where all-season traction matters year-round get that capability without an option box on the CLE.
The DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode selector is standard on the CLE Cabriolet, giving the driver selectable chassis and powertrain behavior without optional packages.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both cars seat four passengers and carry that number in a soft-top two-door body. Cargo volume sits within a close range: 9.6 cu ft for the CLE Cabriolet versus 10.6 cu ft in the BMW with the top raised (approximately 8.0 cu ft with the top lowered).
The CLE Cabriolet's interior content gap widens considerably when comparing standard equipment. Standard across all CLE trims:
- Burmester 3D Surround Sound System (660W, 17 speakers, including front seat headrest speakers)
- AIRSCARF neck-warming system integrated into the front headrests
- AIRCAP electric wind deflector system
- Heated power front seats with memory
- Automatic seat belt presenters
- Fingerprint scanner in the center console for driver profile recognition
- Wireless charging pad
The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers a 10-speaker Hi-Fi system as standard. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker 464W upgrade and BMW's Bowers and Wilkins system are optional. A neck-warming feature (Neck Warmer) is also optional on the BMW. The wireless charging pad became standard on the 2026 4 Series.
Soft-top insulation quality differs in design philosophy. BMW uses a multi-layer insulated fabric claimed to reduce wind and road noise. The CLE Cabriolet's top pairs with the AIRCAP wind deflector and AIRSCARF to manage open-air comfort from both a noise and temperature perspective with standard hardware rather than options.
The 11.9-inch center touchscreen in the CLE Cabriolet adjusts electrically from 15 to 40 degrees. The BMW Curved Display integrates a 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster into a unified housing.
Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment overview
Technology and Infotainment
The CLE Cabriolet runs the MBUX infotainment system with MBUX Routines, a 12.3-inch Driver Display, and an 11.9-inch Center Touchscreen Display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both vehicles.
The optional Pinnacle Trim for the CLE Cabriolet adds MBUX Entertainment Plus with Dolby Atmos streaming, DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with projection capability, Head-Up Display, MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation, and GUARD 360 with Picture Taking Functionality. The optional Parking Package adds a Surround View 360-degree camera.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible's tech stack includes BMW Operating System 8.5 with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, built-in navigation with real-time traffic, BMW Digital Key and Digital Key Plus, Wi-Fi hotspot, OTA software updates, and 5 USB-C ports. Head-Up Display and 360-degree SurroundView Camera are available through optional packages. Driving Assistance Professional adds adaptive cruise, lane centering, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist.
Safety
The CLE Cabriolet carries 11 airbags as standard, including a center airbag positioned between the front seats and rear head airbags, a configuration specifically suited to open-top collision protection. Standard safety systems include:
- Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function
- Blind Spot Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness detection
- Rollover protection
- Rearview camera concealed behind the Star ornament
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
PRE-SAFE PLUS with PRE-SAFE Impulse Side is included with the Driver Assistance Package.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible's standard suite includes Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and a rear-view camera. BMW's 8-airbag system covers front, front side, front knee, and full-length curtain positions. The Driving Assistance Professional Package adds the expanded semi-autonomous driver assistance features.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry 4-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage. Coverage terms, exclusions, and owner responsibilities are defined in the applicable manufacturer warranty documentation.
BMW adds a meaningful ownership benefit in this segment: BMW Ultimate Care covers all factory-scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles at no additional charge. That includes oil and filter service, cabin microfilter and engine air filter, brake fluid replacement, and vehicle check with software update. BMW also includes 24/7 roadside assistance for the full 4-year warranty duration.
Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa can walk buyers through the CLE Cabriolet's ownership and service options in detail. Extended coverage is available for both brands through their respective dealer networks.
On the standard-content side, the CLE Cabriolet delivers more technology and comfort hardware at the base trim level without requiring option packages. Buyers who intend to configure a BMW convertible with xDrive, premium audio, neck warming, and a driver assistance package will add cost through multiple option selections to reach parity with what the CLE Cabriolet includes from the start.
The CLE Cabriolet's EPA fuel economy of 23 city/33 highway/26 combined runs behind the BMW 430i Convertible's 28 city/36 highway/30 combined. For buyers who drive the top down at highway speeds regularly, that gap is relevant on the cost-to-operate side.
Feature availability, package content, warranty coverage, fuel economy, performance figures, and equipment may vary by model, production timing, driving conditions, and vehicle-specific configuration. Confirm all specifications and coverage terms on the specific vehicle before purchase or lease.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet if:
- You want standard 4MATIC® AWD without paying for an upgrade
- Open-air comfort through AIRSCARF neck-warming and AIRCAP wind deflection matters to you in daily use
- You prioritize a high-output audio system (660W, 17 speakers) as a baseline
- You want the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet's performance potential at the top of the line
- Passive safety content, including 11 airbags and rollover protection, is a priority
Choose the 2026 BMW 4 Series Convertible if:
- Rear-wheel drive dynamics are your preference and AWD is not required
- EPA fuel economy in the 28-30 mpg city/combined range is a deciding factor
- You prefer a more configurable option structure to add only what you want
- BMW Ultimate Care's included scheduled maintenance is valuable to your ownership plan
- A slightly smaller exterior footprint suits your parking or storage situation
See the 2026 CLE Cabriolet at Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa
The 2026 CLE Cabriolet brings standard 4MATIC® AWD, a 17-speaker Burmester audio system, and AIRSCARF neck-warming to every trim, content the BMW 4 Series Convertible positions as option-level. Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa carries current CLE Cabriolet inventory across the CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet, CLE 450 4MATIC® Cabriolet, and Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet trims. Contact the team to schedule a side-by-side comparison or to arrange a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet come with AWD standard?
Yes. All three CLE Cabriolet trims, CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet, CLE 450 4MATIC® Cabriolet, and Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, include 4MATIC® all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers xDrive AWD as an optional upgrade over the standard rear-wheel drive configuration.
How many speakers does the CLE Cabriolet have compared to the BMW 4 Series Convertible?
The CLE Cabriolet is standard with a Burmester 3D Surround Sound System rated at 660W with 17 speakers, including speakers in the front seat headrests. The BMW 4 Series Convertible comes standard with a 10-speaker Hi-Fi system; a 16-speaker 464W Harman Kardon upgrade and a Bowers and Wilkins system are available as options.
Does the 2026 CLE Cabriolet have a neck-warming system?
Yes. The AIRSCARF neck-warming system is standard on all CLE Cabriolet trims and operates through vents in the front seat headrests to direct warm air toward occupants when the top is down. The BMW 4 Series Convertible's Neck Warmer feature is optional.
What is the cargo volume of the 2026 CLE Cabriolet?
The CLE Cabriolet provides 9.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers 10.6 cubic feet with the top raised and approximately 8.0 cubic feet with the top lowered.
How does the CLE Cabriolet's fuel economy compare to the BMW 4 Series Convertible?
The CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet is EPA-rated at 23 city, 33 highway, and 26 combined. The BMW 430i Convertible (RWD) is rated at 28 city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The BMW returns better EPA numbers at the base engine level; the CLE's 4MATIC® standard fitment accounts for part of that difference.
What airbag count does the 2026 CLE Cabriolet carry?
The CLE Cabriolet includes 11 airbags as standard, including a center airbag between the front seats and rear head airbags. The BMW 4 Series Convertible carries 8 airbags covering front, front side, front knee, and full-length curtain positions.
Are there multiple engine options on the 2026 CLE Cabriolet?
Yes. The CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet uses a 2.0L Inline-4 turbocharged engine with 48V mild hybrid assist. The CLE 450 4MATIC® Cabriolet steps to a 3.0L Inline-6 turbocharged engine with 48V mild hybrid. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet features an AMG-enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 with an electric auxiliary compressor.
Where can I see the 2026 CLE Cabriolet in person?
Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa carries current CLE Cabriolet inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to view available trims, or contact the dealership directly to arrange a test drive.
AdChoices