BMW M4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
BMW M4
BMW’s high-performance coupé.
VS
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes' 4-door coupe on the MFA2 platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW M4
Pick the M4 for a powerful high-performance coupé with the S58, a choice of manual or xDrive, and a reliability step over the previous generation.
Best engine: The M4 Competition (510 hp).
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
M4 Competition · Petrol vs M282 CLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW M4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
510 hp
Winner
|
163 hp
|
| Torque |
650 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
3,9 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
229 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
283,3 hp/t
Winner
|
109,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
139 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
440 L
|
460 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.240 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,73 m
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,39 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
4
|
5
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G82, shared with the 4 Series) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W177 and B-Class W247) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW M4
- IBS recalls (integrated brake system — check VIN)
- Oil-cooler seepage — exposed cooler vulnerable to stone chips
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump wear
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 M4
- S58 fixes the S55 crank-hub/rod-bearing weaknesses
- Manual gearbox still offered (rare in this segment)
- M xDrive optional for more traction and quicker sprints
Mercedes-Benz CLA
- 4-door coupe styling with a usable 460 L boot
- MBUX dual-screen with voice control (C118)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (CLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm)
- CLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW M4
- Big and heavy (~1,674–1,850+ kg)
- Controversial vertical grille and cramped 2+2 rear
Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Low roofline limits rear headroom
- Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW M4
11 for sale · from € 49.950
Mercedes-Benz CLA
45 for sale · from € 9.990
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG · Panoramic roof · Camera · Leather
€ 12.500
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigation
€ 21.990
Garage Carrera Cars
Garage Carrera Cars
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 23.495
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Panoramic roof · CarPlay · LED
€ 18.495
DR Motors
DR Motors
