A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
M60 xDrive Gran CoupéElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 1,750,000ex-showroom
⚡ 442 kW🔧 795 Nm
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet vs BMW i4: the short answer
i4 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CLE Cabriolet.
CLE Cabriolet starts ZAR 26,400 cheaperCLE Cabriolet from ZAR 1,473,600 · i4 from ZAR 1,500,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Maximum Power
CLE Cabriolet150 kW
i4442 kW
Maximum Torque
CLE Cabriolet320 Nm
i4795 Nm
Engine Size
CLE Cabriolet1999 cc
i4Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
CLE Cabriolet14.3 km/l
i4Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
CLE Cabriolet120 mm
i4140 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
CLE 200 Cabriolet
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CLE Cabriolet
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
i4
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLE Cabriolet
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
i4
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Model Introduced Year
2026
2021
Generation
Current South African CLE Cabriolet generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Cabriolet
Battery-electric G26 Gran Coupé with four doors, a rear liftback and a road-car seating position.
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current updated G26-based i4 Gran Coupé range in South Africa; current derivative identity is eDrive35 and M60 xDrive.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Luxury convertible
Premium Sedan
Vehicle Type
Convertible
Car
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Length
4850 mm
4783 mm
Width
1861 mm
1852 mm
Height
1424 mm
1448 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2856 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
120 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
470 l
Kerb Weight
2050 kg
2285 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2730 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
520 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
994 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
944 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1036 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
888 mm
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Engine
1999/L4
BMW eDrive electric drive
Engine Code
M254
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Electric
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1999 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
83.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
92.0 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
150 kW
442 kW
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
795 Nm
Combined Power
150 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
320 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
1
2
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Front and rear axles
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
236 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.9 sec
3.7 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
12.2 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
0
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
400 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
485 km (BMW stated)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
130 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
6 h 30 min
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
30 min
Regenerative Braking
No
Yes
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Yes
Number of Gears
9
1
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
9
1
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
14.3 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
14.3 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS Combo
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
66
0
Combined Driving Range
0
485-544 km (BMW stated)
Electric Consumption
0
16.3–18.3
Range Real World Highway
0 km
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
420 km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Yes
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric with driver memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric multi-way
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Standard
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Standard
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Widescreen Display
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.3
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
14.9
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
14.9
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Multiple manufacturer colours
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Yes
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
No
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
225/50 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
19
18" M aerodynamic wheels 858 M Bicolour with MT
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
CO2 Emissions
175 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
1473600 ZAR
1750000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
1600000
1750000
Starting Price Zar
1600000
1750000
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
i4
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLE Cabriolet and i4 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: CLE Cabriolet 65 vs i4 100.
Efficiency index: CLE Cabriolet 60 vs i4 90.
Safety-equipment index: CLE Cabriolet 95 vs i4 92.
Practicality index: CLE Cabriolet 53 vs i4 61.
Ownership-cover index: CLE Cabriolet not separately scored vs i4 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
CLE Cabriolet and i4 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
i4 leads by 17 points
i4 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CLE Cabriolet.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
i4
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
61/100
CLE Cabriolet
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
53/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW i4
leads the specification evidence index with 86 pts
vs 69 pts for CLE Cabriolet
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, i4 leads. However, CLE Cabriolet may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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