2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$49,650 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe leaps forward with a potent 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, appealing to the driver who demands sharper reflexes and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, starting at a tempting $44,400, captivates with sleek style and superior fuel efficiency on the highway (36 MPG). The BMW commands a $49,650 MSRP but backs it up with 34 more horsepower than the CLA's 221 hp. While both achieve an identical 30 combined MPG, the BMW’s 16.6 cu ft of cargo space significantly dwarfs the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. Ultimately, this comparison pits BMW's established performance pedigree against the CLA's accessible, style-forward entry into luxury motoring, marked clearly by the $5,250 upfront cost disparity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers better highway efficiency at 36 MPG and a lower entry price for the daily grind.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides substantially more utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW delivers a superior performance edge, boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through a traditional RWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers a more budget-friendly proposition, starting $5,250 below the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, enjoying the higher 255 hp available from its powertrain.
You prefer the traditional handling characteristics delivered by the 295 lb-ft torque and rear-wheel-drive configuration.
You need more usable storage space, benefiting from the 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

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

A lower initial outlay is critical, given the $44,400 starting MSRP.
Maximizing highway miles is a goal, thanks to its slightly superior 36 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the efficiency and packaging benefits of a front-wheel-drive layout in a compact sedan.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	188.5"	184.6"
Width	72.9"	72.0"
Height	56.8"	56.7"
Wheelbase	112.4"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
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)	27/35 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	421.2/546.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R H	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

How does the power difference affect real-world driving between the two?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe boasts 255 hp compared to the CLA-Class's 221 hp, giving the BMW noticeable quickness, especially when merging or passing. While both require premium fuel, the BMW’s 34 hp advantage translates directly into a more urgent acceleration experience.

Which vehicle is more practical for weekend trips based on specs?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is significantly more practical, offering a generous 16.6 cu ft of cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trails substantially with only 11.6 cu ft, making the BMW better suited for hauling luggage or larger items.

Is the BMW's higher MSRP justified by its powertrain specifications?

The $49,650 MSRP for the BMW reflects its higher output (295 lb-ft of torque) and superior drivetrain (RWD). If driving dynamics and engine power are paramount, that $5,250 premium over the CLA covers those performance upgrades.

Comparing fuel economy, is one clearly better for long highway commutes?

Both cars achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, but the CLA-Class nudges ahead slightly on the open road with 36 MPG highway versus the BMW’s 35 MPG highway rating. This difference is marginal but technically favors the Mercedes for maximum distance between fill-ups.

What is the fundamental difference in their driving setups?

The BMW utilizes a rear-wheel-drive architecture, typically favored for balanced, sporty handling characteristics. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class employs a front-wheel-drive system coupled with an automated manual transmission, prioritizing efficiency and interior packaging.

Are both vehicles similarly sized for urban maneuverability?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is slightly smaller overall; it is 3.9 inches shorter in length (184.6 inches vs. 188.5 inches) and marginally narrower. This minor difference suggests the CLA might be marginally easier to navigate and park in tight city environments.