Compare the2024 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2022 Mercedes A-Class

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 A-Class 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 use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The A-Class 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 A-Class.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series’ standard Cross Traffic Warning uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The A-Class doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the 2 Series and the A-Class 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, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the A-Class’ (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, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the A-Class.

The battery on the 2 Series is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 2 Series’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The A-Class’ battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 2 Series’ reliability 16 points higher than the A-Class.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series third among small premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The A-Class isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 67 more horsepower (255 vs. 188) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 221) than the A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 194 more horsepower (382 vs. 188) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 221) than the A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 2 Series is faster than the Mercedes A-Class:

On the EPA test cycle the 230i RWD gets better fuel mileage than the A 220 FWD (26 city/35 hwy vs. 24 city/35 hwy).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the BMW 2 Series as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes A-Class is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

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 A-Class.

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 A-Class doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 2 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the A-Class:

The 2 Series’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A-Class are solid, not vented.

The 2 Series stops shorter than the A-Class:

For better traction, the 2 Series has larger standard tires than the A-Class (225/45R18 vs. 205/55R17). The M240i Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A-Class (F:245/35R19 & R:255/35R19 vs. 225/40R19).

The 230i’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A-Class’ standard 55 series tires. The M240i Coupe’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the A-Class’ optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 230i has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the A-Class.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 2 Series is .6 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A-Class.

The M240i Coupe xDrive handles at .98 G’s, while the A 220 4MATIC pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

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 A-Class doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

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

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

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

Consumer Reports rated the 2 Series’ headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the A-Class’ headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes A-Class isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series second among small premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A-Class isn’t in the top three.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Mercedes A-Class by almost two to one during 2022.