BMW M2 F87 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118

BMW M2

F87 · 2016 – 2021

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

Mercedes-Benz CLA

C118 · 2019 – 2026

The second-generation CLA on the MFA2 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 / CLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M2 Competition · Petrol vs M282 CLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	410 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	550 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,2 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	229 km/h
Power-to-weight	260,3 hp/t Winner	109,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	209 g/km	139 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Boot	390 L	460 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.240 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,73 m Winner
Length	4,46 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	10,4 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)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT	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

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

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

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

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

BMW M2

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

Mercedes-Benz CLA

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 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

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.