BMW M440i xDrive Convertible vs Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Price and Specs Compared

A comparison between two four-seat luxury convertibles and their approaches to performance, comfort and open-top driving.

The BMW M440i xDrive Convertible and Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet both offer multi-cylinder performance and four-seat practicality in a segment where open-top cars remain relatively uncommon in India. The BMW uses a 3.0-litre inline-six with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, while the Mercedes-Benz has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine.

At ₹1.09 crore, the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet by ₹6 lakh, which is around ₹1.15 crore. Both models arrive as single-variant CBU imports in India. We have compared their key differences in this review, especially across their performance, comfort, features and pricing, to help you see which one fits your needs better.

Dimensions, Design and Open-Top Practicality

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is the larger car overall, with a longer body of 4,850 mm than the BMW M440i. Both cars offer four seats, but given the Mercedes’ larger exterior dimensions, it benefits from more room to neatly package its rear cabin and boot.

As noted, the CLE Cabriolet is 80 mm longer, 9 mm wider and 30 mm taller than the M440i. Its 2,865 mm wheelbase is also 14 mm longer, which means it has a slightly larger footprint. The BMW, meanwhile, follows a lower and more compact profile. Its 1,394 mm height and 2,851 mm wheelbase give it the proportions of a sportier two-door, while the 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and mixed-width tyres give extra definition to its performance-oriented profile.

The roof works quickly in both cars. The BMW’s fabric soft top opens or closes in 18 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 50 kmph. The CLE Cabriolet’s acoustic soft top takes around 20 seconds and can be operated if you’re moving at speeds of up to 60 kmph. 

The Mercedes has a 66-litre fuel tank compared to the 59 litres available on the BMW. But the latter has 300 litres of boot space when the roof is down, a mere 5 litres more than the Mercedes.

Powertrain, Performance and Driving Characteristics

The BMW has a power advantage over the CLE Cabriolet. Its 3.0-litre inline-six produces 374 hp and 500 Nm, compared to the Mercedes’ 258 hp and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine.

The M440i’s engine is paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and M xDrive all-wheel drive, allowing the convertible to reach 100 kmph from zero in 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the Mercedes’ 48V system particularly contributes an additional 23 hp to its base 258 hp, while a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox sends its power to all four wheels. But the Mercedes is still noticeably slower, reaching 100 kmp in 6.6 seconds.

To be precise, the BMW has a 116 hp advantage and a 1.7-second lead in the 0-100 kmph sprint. But both cars have electronically limited top speeds of 250 kmph, so the difference is mainly in acceleration and power delivery rather than outright top speed.

The BMW does get hardware specifically developed around faster driving, however. Its standard package includes Adaptive M suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes, an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential, M Sport brakes and Variable Sport Steering.

Cabin Technology, Comfort and Convertible Features

Both convertibles use large digital displays and offer four seats. BMW gives the M440i a more driver-focused cockpit, while Mercedes focuses more on the cabin’s luxury presentation.

The BMW’s curved display houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch control display. BMW Operating System 8.5 supports touch, voice and iDrive controller inputs, while the equipment list includes a Head-Up Display, wireless smartphone integration, 360-degree surround view and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The M440i’s seats are electrically adjustable, with memory functionality for the driver and lumbar support. BMW also fits a three-spoke M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, ambient lighting and aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite M interior trim.

In contrast, the CLE Cabriolet uses an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen  (it can be tilted from 15 to 40 degrees) alongside a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Its equipment list includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance and a Burmester sound system. The Mercedes also gets an important convertible-specific feature through its AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows occupants to keep the roof down in cooler conditions. There’s also an electric wind deflector on the front windshield frame combined with an electric draught stop behind the rear headrests to reduce cabin buffeting.

Between the two, the Cabriolet is slightly the more comfort-oriented package.

Price, Variants and Running Costs

The BMW M440i xDrive Convertible is priced at ₹1.09 crore ex-showroom, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet costs ₹1.15 crore. They both come to India in a single variant each.

The ₹6 lakh difference gives the BMW a lower entry price despite its larger engine and higher power output. The M440i is also imported into India as a Completely Built-Up Unit, while the CLE Cabriolet is likewise sold as a limited-import luxury model.

If you are considering the cars primarily as performance convertibles, the price difference is notable because the BMW clearly has the stronger engine, quicker acceleration and a more extensively performance-oriented chassis package. The Mercedes counters with its larger body, greater cabin capacity and an overall focus on luxury touring rather than outright acceleration.

About fuel efficiency, the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible has an official ARAI-rated mileage of 10.24 kmpl. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet has a reported figure of around 12.00 kmpl. Both use 48V mild-hybrid systems, which provide extra electrical assistance to the petrol engine rather than allowing the cars to work as full hybrids or pure electric nameplates.

In everyday driving, neither should be expected to deliver particularly high fuel economy, with driving style, traffic and frequent use of the performance-oriented powertrains having a huge impact on running costs.

AutoYugg Verdict: BMW M440i Convertible or Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet?

If you enjoy being behind the wheel and want your car to feel sporty and engaging, the BMW fits that preference much, much better. But if you see a convertible more as a comfortable cruiser for longer drives, the Mercedes-Benz offers an experience that better matches those priorities. Clearly, both are open-top luxury convertibles, but they approach that design with different, brand-driven formulas.

You will notice the difference most in how each car makes you feel on the road. The BMW will feel more energetic and raring to go, making it the more natural fit when you want to enjoy every corner and take a more involved approach to driving. The Mercedes-Benz conversely sticks to a calmer approach, giving you a more relaxed setting for open-top drives and longer journeys.

If driving enjoyment is what you value most, go for the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible. If you value relaxed touring comfort more than everything else, then the Mercedes-Benz  CLE Cabriolet will suit you better.