BMW 2 Series G42 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117
BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR 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 |
300 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
Winner
|
230 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,5 hp/t
Winner
|
109,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 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 |
2,74 m
Winner
|
2,70 m
|
| Length |
4,54 m
|
4,63 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
10,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (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 | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 diesel (mild-hybrid) | M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
- 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
- Bigger, wider and more mature than the F22
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step over N20/N55
- M240i (B58) remains the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- 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
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
- 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
Bigger, heavier and more grown-up than the F22, but still rear-wheel drive. The G42 rides with better isolation, steers accurately with decent weighting, and remains balanced and adjustable through corners, if a touch less playful than before. Rear-drive is standard; xDrive on the M240i adds grip and pace. The B48 four is smooth and efficient, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and fast, and the 220d is the economical distance pick. The 8-speed automatic is excellent; there is no manual in this generation. It is a more mature, more comfortable car than the F22, with the same rear-drive character and less of the edge.
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
