Compare the2022 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2022 Mercedes AMG CLA

The 2 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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 AMG 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 AMG CLA.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the AMG CLA.

Both the 2 Series and the AMG 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG 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 AMG CLA.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The AMG CLA isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

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 M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 354) than the AMG CLA 45’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

For better stopping power the 2 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLA:

The 230i is 5.8 inches shorter than the AMG 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 AMG 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 AMG CLA.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series offers cargo security. The AMG 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 AMG CLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 2 Series is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the 2 Series owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 2 Series will cost $7215 to $12715 less than the AMG CLA over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 2 Series will be $11135 to $30824 less than for the Mercedes AMG CLA.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 8 years. The AMG 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 AMG CLA has never been an “All Star.”

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Mercedes CLA by over two to one during the 2021 model year.