2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$45,950 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The battle for compact executive dominance pits the established 2025 BMW 3 Series against the sleek 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The BMW excites with a robust 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, establishing a clear performance edge over the CLA's 221 hp. The 3 Series maintains its classic RWD dynamics, while the CLA leans into FWD efficiency and a slightly lower starting MSRP of $44,400 compared to the BMW's $45,950. For city efficiency, the 3 Series edges out the competition with 31 MPG combined versus the CLA's 30 MPG combined, although the CLA boasts slightly better highway numbers (36 MPG vs. 35 MPG). Design-wise, the BMW is marginally longer at 185.9 inches, but the CLA offers significantly less storage, with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space against the 3 Series' generous 16.9 cu ft, making the BMW the more complete, powerful, and practical sedan offering.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series is the winner due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series provides substantially more utility for passengers with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series offers a decisive performance advantage with 34 more horsepower and 37 lb-ft more torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins on upfront cost by offering a lower starting MSRP of $44,400.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You demand the sharpest handling dynamics derived from its rear-wheel-drive architecture.
You require maximum utility, benefitting from 16.9 cu ft of trunk space.
You prefer the driving thrill delivered by 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...

Securing the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $44,400, is your top priority.
You prefer the slightly higher advertised highway fuel efficiency of 36 MPG.
You appreciate the maneuverability of a slightly shorter vehicle at 184.6 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	185.9"	184.6"
Width	71.9"	72.0"
Height	56.8"	56.7"
Wheelbase	112.2"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	351.0/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

How significant is the power gap between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the CLA-Class?

The power gap is substantial; the BMW 3 Series produces 255 hp, which is 34 hp more than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class generating 221 hp. This translates directly to quicker acceleration and a more responsive feel in the BMW.

Which car is more economical for daily driving considering the required premium fuel?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series holds a slight edge for overall efficiency with 31 MPG combined compared to the CLA-Class's 30 MPG combined. However, the CLA offers 36 MPG on the highway versus the BMW's 35 MPG.

What are the main differences in physical size and usability?

The vehicles are nearly identical in width and height, but the BMW 3 Series is marginally longer (185.9 inches vs. 184.6 inches). Crucially, the BMW offers significantly more trunk space at 16.9 cu ft versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

Does the drivetrain affect the driving experience between these two sedans?

Yes, the BMW utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup, prized for balanced handling, while the CLA employs a front-wheel-drive architecture standard. Furthermore, the BMW uses a conventional automatic, while the CLA uses an automated manual transmission.

How much does the MSRP difference impact the value proposition?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class undercuts the BMW 3 Series on starting price by $1,550, with the CLA beginning at $44,400 and the BMW at $45,950. This makes the CLA the better entry point if budget is the primary concern.

Are there major differences in their transmission technology?

Both vehicles feature 8-speed transmissions, but they operate differently; the 2025 BMW 3 Series uses a standard shiftable automatic, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class employs an automated manual system.