BMW M2 G87 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118

BMW M2

G87 · 2023 – 2026

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

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 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 / CLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M2 · Petrol vs M282 CLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW M2	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	460 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	550 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,1 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	229 km/h
Power-to-weight	259,2 hp/t Winner	109,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	226 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	2,75 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,58 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	10,4 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)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	6-speed manual · 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.