BMW 4 Series G22 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117
BMW 4 Series
G22 · 2020 – 2026
The second-generation 4 Series Coupé (G22), on the CLAR platform with 48V mild-hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C117 · 2013 – 2019
The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.
BMW 4 Series
Pick the G22 for the bigger, more mature 4 Series with 48V mild-hybrid engines and the latest iDrive.
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 |
300 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
230 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
117,9 hp/t
Winner
|
109,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
149 g/km
|
130 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
440 L
|
470 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.235 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,70 m
|
| Length |
4,77 m
|
4,63 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
10,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,7 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 4 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 (mild-hybrid) · B47 2.0 · B57 3.0 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
- iDrive 7 software glitches (early cars)
- 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 F32
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step
- M440i (B58) holds value and is the enthusiast favourite
- 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
- Controversial vertical grille is not to everyone’s taste
- 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 4 Series
Sharper and more refined than the F32. Steering is precise and well-weighted, body control is excellent, and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic BMW balance; xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M440i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Mild-hybrid systems add minor refinement and stop-start smoothness on equipped cars. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.
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
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG · Panoramic roof · Camera · Leather
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigation
Garage Carrera Cars
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Panoramic roof · CarPlay · LED
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