The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2025 BMW 2 Series are stylish small luxury sedans that are fun for the driver, good on gas, and easy to maneuver. For this comparison, we’re zeroing in on the 4-door version of the 2 Series, the Gran Coupe model. Like the CLA, the 2 Series has been in its current generation since 2020.
After thousands of miles of road-testing the Mercedes-Benz CLA and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, we wanted to compare them directly. Let’s explore the highlights of each subcompact luxury 4-door.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available in CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35, and AMG 45 S versions. The CLA 250 is the only one with front-wheel drive (FWD); the rest have all-wheel drive (AWD). The CLA 250 and 250 4Matic employ a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automatic.
The only change this year is that Mercedes-Benz now offers a 360-degree camera system as an individual option. Previously, it was only available as part of the Parking Assistance package. Having driven many miles in the Mercedes-Benz CLA, we’ve always enjoyed its supple ride, agility, and swift acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Highlights
AMG models: The AMG 35 produces 302 hp, while the range-topping AMG 45 S sends 416 hp to all four wheels. We’ve found them both to be a blast to drive, but they don’t come cheap.
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): The MBUX infotainment system in the Mercedes-Benz CLA is every bit as good as those used in the company’s pricier models. It includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Wireless smartphone connectivity and user-friendly voice commands are also standard.
Burmester audio: This 12-speaker surround-sound system has incredible range and depth. Dolby Atmos technology adds to this premium listening experience by making any type of music richer and more enveloping.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CLA models near you.
2025 BMW 2 Series
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup starts out with the 228 xDrive, whose base drivetrain is a 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard. A front-wheel-drive 228 sDrive is planned for later in 2025.
During our extensive testing of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, we loved the lithe driving dynamics. This is BMW’s smallest and least expensive sedan, yet it feels as finely honed as its bigger and costlier stablemates. The light and precise steering is well matched to a composed suspension that copes expertly with all sorts of road surfaces. For 2025, a few mild tweaks inside and out result in different steering wheels and more color choices. Heated front seats become standard. An update to the infotainment system brings a few controls like cabin temperature onto the touchscreen or enabling activation through voice commands, plus more power (an extra 13 horses in the 228, 10 in the M235) and equipment in the Gran Coupe than before.
BMW 2 Series Highlights
M Sport package: This collection of performance features will appeal to driving enthusiasts. It brings an M Sport suspension, M Sport alloy wheels, and more assertive exterior trim. Another sporty addition is the Dynamic Handling package, which includes an M Sport differential, bigger brakes, and dynamic dampers.
Sleek sedan styling: Calling a 4-door car a “coupe” will forever sound strange to us, yet we think the 2 Series Gran Coupe is a handsome small sedan. Granted, the stylish shape does mean space in the second row can be snug for taller passengers, but the same is true in the CLA.
M235 xDrive: As well as all-wheel drive, the M235 features a 312-hp turbo 4-cylinder. Get on the accelerator, and the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph takes only 4.7 seconds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 2 Series models near you.
Similarities
We find both the Mercedes-Benz CLA and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe to be the kind of luxury car that doesn’t make you feel like you’re driving around in something too precious. Their proportions make it easy for city life, especially when parking. Neither car has much space for rear passengers. But they aren’t fuel hogs, and both offer the kind of engagement to make even an arduous commute enjoyable.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (48180)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$45,550 |
$42,735 |
|||
$47,550 |
$44,758 |
New 2025 BMW 2 Series Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (48180)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$40,775 |
$39,229 |
|||
$42,775 |
$40,794 |
|||
$42,775 |
$41,389 |
|||
$50,675 |
$50,147 |
|||
$51,775 |
$49,812 |
|||
$53,775 |
$51,414 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA vehicles and New 2025 BMW 2 Series vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA | 2025 BMW 2 Series | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 26 city/36 highway/30 combined | 27 city/39 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | 8-speed automatic, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.6 inches | 179.2 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 56.7 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 35.7 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.8 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.9 inches | 34.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.1 inches | 55.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.0 inches | 53.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 11.6 cubic feet | 12.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz CLA or BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe could take time and a few test drives. Both are well-engineered and feel worthy of the prestigious badges on their grilles. The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a lower base price, more power, a barely larger trunk, and (perhaps most importantly) the driving dynamics expected of a BMW.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA counters with a slick infotainment system, upscale cabin ambiance, and wonderfully quick AMG variants. Both competitors are savvy choices for anyone in the market for a superb small luxury sedan.
