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Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
Sedan · Gasoline · FWD
vs
BMW 540i
Sedan · Gasoline · FWD
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
Car A
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 blends strong V6 performance with space and comfort for long trips, backed by a 520‑liter trunk and five seats. Its premium pricing and FWD layout make it less compelling for cargo-heavy use or harsh-winter regions that favor AWD.
5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety
BMW 540i
Car B
BMW 540i
The BMW 540i is a premium saloon that blends 340 hp pace with five-seat comfort and a useful 530 L boot for family and road‑trip duty. It’s less compelling for cargo‑heavy or urban use, and its front‑wheel‑drive character may not suit enthusiasts.
5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety8 L/100km340 hp
Why compared cross brandsame body typesame powertrainsame seatssimilar price

Usage fit

Family 54 / 65
City 31 / 30
Budget / value 32 / 45
Road trip 63 / 63
Performance 35 / 33
Cargo 29 / 29
Practical 31 / 45
Premium 62 / 65
Winter 30 / 30

Scores out of 100. Blue = Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 · Orange = BMW 540i

Specs side-by-side

Spec Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 BMW 540i
Values are representative — confirm for your market and trim.

Pros & cons

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

  • Strong V6 performance makes highway passing easy
  • 520‑liter trunk and five seats support road trips and growing families
  • Efficient for its class at 8.4 L/100 km combined
  • Ranks well for safety in its class

BMW 540i

  • Strong performance (340 hp, 4.3 s 0–100 km/h) for confident passing and merging
  • Five seats and a 530 L trunk work well for growing families and road trips
  • Safety ranks highly in its positioning, aligning with family priorities
  • Efficient for its class at 8 L/100 km given the power on tap

Verdict

Pick Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 if…
Lower entry price
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 starts lower, making it the stronger value pick if budget is a priority.
Pick BMW 540i if…
More power
BMW 540i puts out 340 hp vs 333 — meaningfully quicker and more confident on motorways.

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