BMW 4 Series F32 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117
BMW 4 Series
F32 · 2014 – 2020
The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 platform.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C117 · 2013 – 2019
The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.
BMW 4 Series
Pick the F32 for the pre-2020 4 Series Coupé with timeless lines and the eager B58 (440i) — before the G22’s controversial grille.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.
Performance
420i · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
156 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
Winner
|
230 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
120,3 hp/t
Winner
|
109,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
145 g/km
|
130 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
445 L
|
470 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.235 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,81 m
Winner
|
2,70 m
|
| Length |
4,64 m
|
4,63 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
10,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F30/F32 (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 | N20/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 (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- 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 iDrive
- Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
- xDrive available for all-weather traction
- 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
- N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
- Tight rear seats and access for this class
- 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 4 Series
Classic BMW dynamics: precise steering, balanced chassis and strong rear-drive feel. The car is engaging on twisty roads and stable at speed. xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range. The B58 440i is the standout for character and refinement; B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Early N20 and N55 cars are also capable but feel less refined than the later B-series engines. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that prioritises dynamics over pure comfort.
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 4 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz CLA
45 for sale · from € 9.990
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigation
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Panoramic roof · CarPlay · LED
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