BMW 2 Series F22 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117
BMW 2 Series
F22 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C117 · 2013 – 2019
The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.
Performance
220i · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
156 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
232 km/h
Winner
|
230 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
126,9 hp/t
Winner
|
109,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
130 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
390 L
|
470 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.235 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,70 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,43 m
|
4,63 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
10,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
Winner
|
11,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F20 (rear-wheel drive) | MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · N55/B58 3.0 petrol · N47/B47 2.0 diesel | M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N20 timing chain and oil leaks (pre-2016)
- N55 wastegate and oil consumption (M235i, high mileage)
- iDrive glitches and battery drain (early cars)
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
- 7G-DCT: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
- Early M270 petrol: timing chain risk reported
- Interior rattles on some examples
Pros
- LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and infotainment
- M240i (B58) is the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- Post-facelift (2017+) cars are more reliable
- Coupe look with a 470 L boot (Shooting Brake: 495 L)
- Proven M270 1.6/2.0 petrol and OM651 2.1 diesel (CLA 200 d: 136 hp / 300 Nm)
- CLA 45 AMG: 360–381 hp four-cylinder for real performance
Cons
- Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
- N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
- 7G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Low roofline limits rear headroom
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Genuinely engaging, with a rear-drive balance that is rare at this size. The F22 steers quickly and talks clearly through the wheel, turns in keenly, and its tail is happy to help rotate the car under power. Rear-drive is the pure choice; xDrive adds traction but blunts some of the playfulness. The B48 four is smooth and willing, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and characterful, and the 220d is the sensible distance choice. The 8-speed automatic is quick; the manual is genuinely rewarding. It is the last true compact rear-drive BMW coupe, and it feels like it.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Style-first, with a ride to match. The C117 steers quickly and accurately but rides firmly, especially on larger wheels, and lets in more road and wind noise than a proper Mercedes should. Front-drive versions are tidy and predictable; 4MATIC adds traction in poor conditions. The M270 petrols are willing but gruff, the OM651 diesel is the sensible choice for distance, and the 7-speed dual-clutch is quick once moving, if hesitant from a standstill. Body control is good, but the CLA trades comfort for its coupé looks.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 2 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz CLA
45 for sale · from € 9.990
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG · Panoramic roof · Camera · Leather
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigation
Garage Carrera Cars
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Panoramic roof · CarPlay · LED
DR Motors
