BMW 4 Series F32 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118
BMW 4 Series
F32 · 2014 – 2020
The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 platform.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C118 · 2019 – 2026
The second-generation CLA on the MFA2 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 M282 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
163 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
Winner
|
229 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
120,3 hp/t
Winner
|
109,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
145 g/km
|
139 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
445 L
|
460 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.240 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,81 m
Winner
|
2,73 m
|
| Length |
4,64 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
10,4 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) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) |
| 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 | 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 (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- 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 iDrive
- Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
- xDrive available for all-weather traction
- 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
- N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
- Tight rear seats and access for this class
- 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 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
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 4 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz CLA
45 for sale · from € 9.990
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