2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$45,950 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 3 Series (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA (car2) is the 34 horsepower advantage held by the BMW, delivering 255 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp. This power disparity is coupled with a $3,200 MSRP difference, with the CLA starting at $42,750 versus the 3 Series at $45,950. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the 3 Series achieving 31 combined MPG against the CLA's 30 combined MPG, though the BMW offers slightly better highway efficiency at 35 MPG versus 36 MPG for the CLA (note: the CLA's 36 MPG highway is marginally better despite lower combined rating). Furthermore, the 3 Series boasts 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the CLA's 258 lb-ft, and offers substantially more utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's limiting 11.6 cu ft. Dimensionally, both vehicles are nearly identical in length and height.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 CLA offers marginally superior fuel economy at 36 MPG highway and a lower initial MSRP of $42,750, appealing directly to cost-conscious daily drivers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series provides 5.3 cubic feet more cargo capacity (16.9 cu ft vs. 11.6 cu ft), making it significantly more practical for family use.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series outputs 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing demonstrably superior performance metrics over the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 CLA is priced $3,200 lower while still offering comparable combined fuel economy (30 MPG vs. 31 MPG), resulting in a better initial cost-to-efficiency ratio.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

Performance metrics are paramount, evidenced by its 255 hp engine and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum practical usability is required, specifically due to its segment-leading 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred over the CLA's front-wheel drive layout.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

The initial purchase price must be minimized, as its MSRP is $3,200 less than the BMW at $42,750.
Highway fuel efficiency is prioritized slightly, achieving 36 MPG on the highway.
A front-wheel drive configuration and an 8-speed automated manual transmission are desirable attributes.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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	—	✓
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

How does the drivetrain layout affect driving dynamics between these two sedans?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), traditionally favored by driving enthusiasts for balanced handling. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA features front-wheel drive (FWD), which typically aids traction in low-grip conditions and benefits efficiency.

What is the real-world difference in fuel consumption based on stated MPGs?

The BMW 3 Series claims 31 combined MPG (28 city/35 highway), while the CLA is rated at 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). While the CLA wins slightly on the highway rating by 1 MPG, the BMW offers a noticeable 2 MPG advantage in city driving.

Is the $3,200 price difference justified by the performance gap?

The CLA is significantly cheaper at $42,750, but the 3 Series compensates with 34 more horsepower (255 hp vs. 221 hp) and 37 more lb-ft of torque (295 vs. 258). Enthusiasts may view the extra cost as necessary for the measurable performance uplift.

Which vehicle is better suited for carrying luggage or family gear?

The BMW 3 Series clearly outperforms the CLA in utility, offering 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 45% larger than the CLA’s 11.6 cubic feet. This substantial difference makes the 3 Series the practical choice for families.

Are both vehicles required to use premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA explicitly require premium unleaded fuel according to their provided specifications.

How do the physical dimensions compare for garage fitting?

The vehicles are extremely close in size; the 3 Series is 1.3 inches longer (185.9 in) and 0.1 inches shorter in height (56.8 in). Width is virtually identical at 71.9 inches for the BMW and 72.0 inches for the CLA.