BMW 2 Series G42 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118
BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR 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 |
300 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
Winner
|
229 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,5 hp/t
Winner
|
109,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 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 |
2,74 m
Winner
|
2,73 m
|
| Length |
4,54 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
10,4 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) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) |
| 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) | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
- 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
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
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
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