BMW 2 Series F22 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118
BMW 2 Series
F22 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C118 · 2019 – 2026
The second-generation CLA on the MFA2 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 M282 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
163 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
232 km/h
Winner
|
229 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
126,9 hp/t
Winner
|
109,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
139 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
390 L
|
460 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.240 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,73 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,43 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
10,4 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) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) |
| 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 | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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)
- M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- 7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)
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
- MBUX dual-screen with voice control and modern styling
- Efficient OM654 diesel (CLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.3 L/100 km)
- MFA2 platform shared with the A-Class W177, with optional 4MATIC
- CLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
- Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
- N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
- Low roofline limits rear headroom
- 7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
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
Comfortable, quiet and far more grown-up than the C117. The C118 rides with better isolation and body control, steers accurately, and feels closer to a proper Mercedes inside. Front-drive versions are easy; 4MATIC adds traction in poor conditions. The M282/M260 petrols are smooth and eager, the OM654 diesel is the long-distance pick, and the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch is smoother than before, though still occasionally hesitant at low speed. It is a much better all-rounder than the first CLA, with the same coupé styling and fewer of the compromises.
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
