BMW 4 Series G22 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118
BMW 4 Series
G22 · 2020 – 2026
The second-generation 4 Series Coupé (G22), on the CLAR platform with 48V mild-hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
C118 · 2019 – 2026
The second-generation CLA on the MFA2 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 M282 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW 4 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 |
240 km/h
Winner
|
229 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
117,9 hp/t
Winner
|
109,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
149 g/km
|
139 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 4 Series | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
440 L
|
460 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.240 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,73 m
|
| Length |
4,77 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
10,4 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) | 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 (mild-hybrid) · B47 2.0 · B57 3.0 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
- iDrive 7 software glitches (early cars)
- 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 F32
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step
- M440i (B58) holds value and is the enthusiast favourite
- 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
- Controversial vertical grille is not to everyone’s taste
- 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 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
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
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
