BMW M2 G87 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117

BMW M2

G87 · 2023 – 2026

The second-generation M2 (G87), on the CLAR platform with the S58 twin-turbo.

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 G87 for the S58-powered M2 that’s quicker, more refined and adaptive-damped versus the F87.

Best engine: The M2 (S58, 460 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 · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	460 hp Winner	156 hp
Torque	550 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,1 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	230 km/h
Power-to-weight	259,2 hp/t Winner	109,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	226 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	2,75 m Winner	2,70 m
Length	4,58 m	4,63 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	10,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Platform	CLAR (G87, 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	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · 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

BMW M2

Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)

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

S58 twin-turbo is strong and free-revving with excellent mid-range
Shorter wheelbase makes it more agile than the M3/M4
Adaptive M suspension offers a range between sporty and comfortable

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

Bigger and heavier than the F87 (~1,700–1,790 kg)
Cramped rear seats (2+2)

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

Engaging, balanced and fun. Sharp, well-weighted steering, excellent chassis balance and a playful rear-drive character. The shorter wheelbase makes it feel more agile and responsive than the larger M3/M4. Adaptive M suspension offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual is involving; the ZF 8-speed is quick and smooth. Overall a focused, involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver engagement while offering better refinement than the F87.

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.