Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Is the AMG worth its price premium?Luxury coupes are not as popular as they once were in the United States. Models like the Lexus RC, Audi A5 Coupe, and Infiniti Q60 have vanished without replacements in recent years. Two brands keeping the luxury coupe alive are BMW and Mercedes-Benz. And, for buyers who want an extra performance kick to go with the glamorous vibe, the BMW M440i and Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 are two fine choices. The CLE replaced the older C-Class and E-Class coupe lineups and is newer than the BMW. Can the aging M440i keep up with its Stuttgart rival in 2026? Let's dive in and find out. 2027 BMW M440i Vs. 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53: PerformanceBMW M440i CoupeBMWView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementWe'll start with the performance category, as that's an important factor for these powerful variants. While they're not full-fat M or AMG models, they've both undergone a fair amount of under-the-skin changes to make them more engaging than the standard 4 Series and CLE models.BMW M440iMercedes-AMG CLE 53Engine3.0L I6 Turbo3.0L I6 TurboHorsepower386 hp443 hpTorque398 lb-ft413 lb-ftDrivetrainRWD or AWDAWDTransmission8-speed auto9-speed auto0-60 mph4.6 seconds (RWD); 4.2 seconds (AWD)4.2 secondsCurb weight3,977 lbs (2021 M440i xDrive)4,420 lbsEPA rating (city/highway/combined)26/33/29 mpg20/27/23 mpgThe major difference between the two cars is the BMW's standard rear-wheel-drive system, which provides the classic feel enthusiasts appreciate. But to match the CLE 53 off the mark, the M440i needs the optional xDrive AWD system. With this setup, the cars have exactly the same 0-60 sprint time, despite the BMW's power and torque deficit. Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 CoupeMercedes-AMGThe Mercedes needs the extra power because it's over 400 lbs heavier than the M440i xDrive, which isn't a small amount. That's partly down to the CLE 53's slightly larger overall size, which also affects its economy versus the M440i.In our first drive of the M440i xDrive and the CLE 53, we found both cars to have fierce acceleration and abundant traction, even when pushing hard. Their transmissions are smooth but also decisive in the sportier driving modes, and while both cars handle well, they're also softer than top M/AMG models so aren't a chore on the long road. The CLE does feel more luxurious overall, though, yet it also manages to mask its mass well. It's also the only one with rear-wheel steering, endowing it with surprising agility.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 First Drive Review: Big-powered coupe tackles volcanoM440i Vs. AMG CLE 53: Pricing and Features2027 BMW M440iBMWView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe BMW is significantly cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG when comparing the 2027 variants of both models.BMW M440i RWD: $67,100BMW M440i xDrive AWD: $69,100Mercedes-AMG CLE 53: $77,400Since there's no significant difference in performance, can the CLE 53 justify its premium with more features? Here's a look at what each car offers in standard form.M440iAMG CLE 53Wheels19-inch alloys19-inch alloysPower moonroofSSHeated front seatsSSPowered front seatsSSHeated steering wheelSOUpholsterySensaTecMB-Tex/microfiberDual-zone automatic climate controlSSFront/rear parking sensorsSSBlind-spot detectionSSDisplays12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreenSound systemHiFi systemBurmester 3D surround-sound systemWireless device chargingSSSurround-view camera systemOSAutomatic parking assistanceOSThe CLE comes with a few more standard features, such as a surround-view camera, a much better standard sound system, and auto parking. However, these can be added to the BMW as options, while keeping the price just over the $70,000 mark.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's undoubtedly a grander sense of occasion when seated in the CLE's cabin, which is replete with eye-popping ambient lighting and upscale materials. The BMW's interior takes a more conservative approach but its design is now a bit dated. The quality remains strong in the M440i, though, and this BMW still offers the tactile iDrive controller; the AMG's controls are largely confined to the touchscreen.Both cars are available with a dizzying array of options, particularly the CLE 53, where customers can get very specific about tailoring the interior.Related: BMW 550e vs Mercedes-AMG E53: Which hybrid saloon comes out on top?M440i Vs. AMG CLE 53: Space and PracticalityBMW M440i CoupeBMWView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementBoth cars are two-door coupes, so rear-seat space is at a premium and access to the back seat requires some effort. Both cars seat four occupants in total, but anyone specifically looking for a coupe will likely be aware of these limitations.M440iAMG CLE 53Front/rear headroom38/35.2 inches40.3/36 inchesFront/rear legroom41.8/34.5 inches42.1/34.2 inchesFront/rear shoulder room55.1/51 inches55.7/52.4 inchesCargo space12 cubic feet9.8 cubic feetThe CLE has more headroom and space for shoulders, but the M440i has fractionally more rear legroom and a larger trunk. Both vehicles have folding back seats for transporting longer items. Taller adults in both cars will feel cramped in the second row, but the cars are suitable for shorter journeys with four people.Related: The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is Equal Parts Performance and Status Symbol, and I Lived With It For a WeekFinal Verdict: A Victory For AMGMercedes-AMG CLE 53 CoupeMercedes-AMGView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThose M and AMG badges come with lofty expectations, even when applied to models in a lower performance tier. Both cars do a fine job of living up to the hype. They're simultaneously comfortable and sporty, and each six-cylinder engine delivers a tuneful exhaust note and rapid acceleration.But the Mercedes-AMG edges it, with much of that having to do with its emotional qualities. These are not commuter sedans, so we appreciate the slightly more engaging feel of the Merc, along with its more emotive interior and exterior. Perhaps because there is no CLE 63 above this (not yet, anyway), it feels like a proper AMG product through and through. The M440i has aged surprisingly gracefully, given the frosty reception to this generation of the 4 Series when originally launched. But it has aged nonetheless, with a more demure look when parked alongside the Mercedes. It feels like a quicker, more urgent 4 Series, not a true M car. Of course, that may be intentional to create enough daylight between this and the brilliant M4.Despite its higher price, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is the car that best combines thrilling performance, classic coupe style, and top-notch luxury.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: BMW vs Mercedes Reliability: The Winner Isn't Even CloseThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.