2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$49,650 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The battle for four-door coupe supremacy pits the established dynamism of the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe against the freshly sculpted elegance of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA. BMW brings a decisive performance edge, boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a pure rear-wheel-drive setup that thrills driving purists. Conversely, the CLA enters with a sharper starting MSRP of $42,750, nearly $7,000 less than the BMW's $49,650, while still achieving an excellent 30 MPG combined. While both cars sip premium fuel, the BMW stretches out at 188.5 inches long, offering 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's smaller 11.6 cu ft trunk. The Bavarian contender offers more thrust and practicality, but the spirited, efficient, and more accessible Benz appeals strongly to budget-conscious style seekers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers superior efficiency metrics (27/35 MPG) combined with greater rear-wheel-drive refinement for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Car1 provides significantly more usable space with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is crucial for family hauling compared to car2’s 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

With 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque channeled through a RWD platform, the BMW delivers a significantly more engaging performance experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins on pure transactional value, starting $6,900 lower while delivering identical 30 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You demand peak performance, evidenced by its 255 hp and 295 lb-ft torque output.
You require superior utility, as its 16.6 cu ft cargo hold easily outmatches the competitor.
You prefer the precise handling dynamics associated with its standard rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

You are closely monitoring the upfront cost, benefiting from the $42,750 entry MSRP.
You prioritize highway efficiency slightly, achieving 36 MPG highway versus the BMW's 35 MPG.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint at 184.6 inches in length for urban maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

How significant is the power difference between the two sedans?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe holds a notable advantage with 255 hp compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp, a 34 hp gap that translates directly into faster acceleration and stronger passing power.

Which vehicle offers a better purchase price right now?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the clear winner on initial outlay, starting at $42,750 against the BMW's MSRP of $49,650, creating a substantial $6,900 savings.

Is the driving experience fundamentally different due to the drivetrain layout?

Yes, the BMW employs a rear-wheel-drive setup known for balanced handling dynamics, whereas the CLA comes standard with front-wheel-drive, impacting weight distribution and steering feel.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare for city driving?

Both are efficient for premium unleaded users, but the BMW pulls ahead slightly in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 27 MPG City compared to the CLA's 26 MPG City.

For hauling luggage, which car is the more practical choice?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is significantly more practical, offering 16.6 cubic feet of cargo volume to swallow gear, easily overshadowing the CLA's 11.6 cubic feet capacity.