Two German coupes, the BMW M440i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+, faced off on opposite sides of the Sachsenring racetrack. They are separated by just 75 horsepower, but in reality, the differences run much deeper. Both cars claim the title of the perfect sports coupe for those who appreciate not just speed, but also style, comfort, and the emotions behind the wheel. We put them on the track to find out which one delivers more excitement and driving pleasure.
Classic coupes have always been associated with elegance and sporty character. In their modern incarnations, these qualities are fused with advanced technology and powerful engines. But how far have BMW and Mercedes gone in their pursuit of perfection? And is the gap between them really as wide as it seems at first glance?
Exterior design
A comparison of their styling reveals very different approaches. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 has a more imposing presence—its lines emphasize strength and aggression. The wide arches, distinctive front end, and muscular silhouette make it stand out in any parking lot. The BMW M440i, by contrast, is more understated, even modest, despite its signature grille. In person, both coupes are impressive, but each in its own way: the Mercedes is bold, the BMW reserved and confident.
The interior also reflects each brand’s philosophy. Inside the BMW, minimalism reigns: clean lines, quality leather, subtle chrome accents, and a comfortable steering wheel. Mercedes greets the driver with sporty seats trimmed in red, Alcantara, and a multitude of adjustments. Here, everything is focused on creating a racing atmosphere, even if you’re just driving through the city.
Technology and handling
Modern coupes come standard with electronic driver aids. Both cars are equipped with driver assistance systems, but their settings differ. In the Mercedes, turning off the lane-keeping assistant takes just a couple of taps, while in the BMW you have to dig into the menu a bit. This might seem like a small detail, but on the track, such nuances become important.
The multimedia controls also differ. BMW offers its signature iDrive system, but sometimes you just want to touch the screen to access the right menu. The Mercedes interface is simpler and more intuitive, and the touchscreen is placed so your arm doesn’t tire even on long drives. The steering wheel buttons allow you to control most functions, but they take some getting used to.
Engines and performance
Both coupes use mild hybrid technology with a 48-volt system. The BMW is equipped with an 11 hp electric motor that assists during acceleration and helps reduce fuel consumption. The Mercedes features a more powerful 23 hp electric motor, and its system also powers an electric compressor, speeding up turbo response.
In practice, the BMW responds faster to throttle input at low revs. The Mercedes takes a bit longer to ‘wake up,’ but then accelerates confidently. When sprinting to 100 km/h, the AMG is four-tenths of a second quicker, and by 200 km/h, the gap widens to 1.1 seconds. This advantage is due not only to power but also to transmission tuning.
On-track handling
On high-speed sections, both cars display excellent stability. The steering becomes heavier as speed increases, giving drivers more confidence on straights and in fast corners. The Mercedes stands out for its calmer behavior during hard braking, while the BMW’s body reacts a bit more but still remains predictable.
At the Sachsenring, the differences in character are especially noticeable. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 barely slips, holds its line precisely, and allows for easy course corrections. The BMW M440i demands more driver involvement: it strikes a balance between understeer and oversteer, making the driving process more thrilling. This style won’t appeal to everyone, but for enthusiasts it’s a real treat.
Race results
Despite Mercedes’ clear advantage in power and tire width, the BMW finished just 1.1 seconds behind. That’s impressive, considering the differences in technical specs. The BMW gains with a better transmission and a livelier response to driver input. Even at high speeds, it remains obedient and allows full control at any moment.
Mercedes, for its part, offers more comfort and precision. Its suspension and steering are tuned to give the driver confidence, even at the limit. For those who prefer stability and predictability, this will be the better choice.
In case you didn’t know, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is one of the world’s leading premium car manufacturers, founded in 1916 in Munich. Mercedes-AMG is a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz specializing in sports and high-performance models; since 1967, it has been developing cars for motorsport and public roads. Both brands are renowned for their innovation, build quality, and unique approach to automotive design, as evidenced by their ongoing rivalry in global markets.
