Compare the2022 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2021 Mercedes CLA

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The CLA doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 2 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the CLA.

Both the 2 Series and the CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CLA’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CLA.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 18th in initial quality. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 30th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (255 vs. 221) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 258) than the CLA’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 161 more horsepower (382 vs. 221) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 258) than the CLA’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the 230i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder RWD gets better fuel mileage than the CLA 250 FWD (26 city/35 hwy vs. 25 city/35 hwy).

Both the 2 Series and the CLA have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All 2 Series have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW 2 Series, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the CLA.

The 2 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CLA doesn’t offer launch control.

The 230i is 5.6 inches shorter than the CLA, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the 2 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CLA doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 2 Series has 1.3 inches more front headroom and .8 inches more front shoulder room than the CLA.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series offers cargo security. The CLA’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

The engine in the 2 Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 7 years. The CLA has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 2 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2015. The CLA has never been an “All Star.”