BMW M4 G82 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117

BMW M4

G82 · 2021 – 2026

The current M4 Coupé (G82), on the CLAR platform shared with the 4 Series.

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 M4

Pick the G82 for the M4 Coupé with the S58 and optional M xDrive — quicker off the line and more secure than rear-drive-only rivals.

Best engine: The M4 Competition (510 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

M4 Competition · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW M4	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	510 hp Winner	156 hp
Torque	650 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	3,9 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	230 km/h
Power-to-weight	283,3 hp/t Winner	109,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	230 g/km	130 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M4	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Boot	440 L	470 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.235 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,70 m
Length	4,79 m	4,63 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	10,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M4	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Platform	CLAR (G82, rear-wheel drive or xDrive)	MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel
Transmission	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 M4

IBS recalls (integrated brake system, check VIN)
Oil-cooler/seal seepage (early cars)
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)

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 M4

S58 addressed the S55 weaknesses (crank hub/rod bearings)
Manual (base) still available — rare among performance coupés
xDrive versions: 0–100 in ~3.5 s

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 M4

Exposed oil cooler is vulnerable to stone chips
Brake squeal is common (bedding/pads)

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 M4

Powerful, refined and highly engaging. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and involving. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a focused high-performance coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.

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.