BMW M2 F87 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117

BMW M2

F87 · 2016 – 2021

The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

C117 · 2013 – 2019

The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW M2

Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.

Best engine: The M2 Competition (S55, 410 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.

Best engine: The CLA 200 (petrol) or CLA 200 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M2 Competition · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	410 hp Winner	156 hp
Torque	550 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,2 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	230 km/h
Power-to-weight	260,3 hp/t Winner	109,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	209 g/km	130 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Boot	390 L	470 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.235 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,70 m Winner
Length	4,46 m	4,63 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	10,0 cm
Turning circle	11,7 m	11,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Platform	F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive)	MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT	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

BMW M2

N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
Cooling system and differential seals

Mercedes-Benz CLA

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

BMW M2

Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
Manual gearbox and DCT available

Mercedes-Benz CLA

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

BMW M2

No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)

Mercedes-Benz CLA

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 M2

One of the most engaging modern M cars. Sharp, communicative steering, excellent balance and a playful rear-drive character. The chassis is taut and rewarding on twisty roads or track. The base M2 (N55) is responsive and characterful; the Competition (S55) is stronger, more free-revving and more aggressive. The manual gearbox is engaging; the DCT is quick and capable. Adaptive dampers are not fitted (fixed sport setup). Overall a focused, fun and involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver involvement 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.