2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2021 BMW 4 Series

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA presented a significant departure from its predecessor with its refined design. The new wedge-like headlights replaced the previous eagle-eye clusters, aligning the CLA more closely with the larger CLS model. The car's roof and trunk design echoed the elegance of the S-Class Coupe, giving it a dramatic, luxury appearance, albeit at the cost of some functionality. Inside, the CLA offered a modern and upscale cabin, featuring a multi-tier dash and vintage-style climate vents. The ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication, illuminating the cabin in various colors. The instrument and infotainment screens formed a seamless panel, enhancing the car's contemporary aesthetic. The CLA's interior was further complemented by brushed aluminum panels and a stylish steering wheel, creating a timeless cabin design.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 4 Series sparked conversations with its bold styling, particularly the large twin-kidney grille, which was intended to improve engine cooling. While opinions on its aesthetics varied, the rest of the car maintained BMW's traditional design elements, including standard LED headlights and taillights. The 4 Series shared its platform with the 3 Series sedan, offering a slightly longer, wider, and lower profile. The interior adhered to BMW's clean and uncluttered design philosophy, with standard front sport seats providing ample support. However, the interior materials, while decent, fell short of true luxury standards. The steering wheel's size was also a point of contention, feeling oversized for a sporty coupe.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered four distinct powertrain configurations. The CLA 250 models featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA 250 4Matic added all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. The engine delivered impressive power for its size, with the transmission maintaining optimal gear selection. The CLA excelled in both city driving and highway speeds, especially with the optional lowered suspension. The steering was light yet precise, providing an athletic driving experience without compromising ride quality. The CLA 250 4Matic achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, with observed figures slightly lower during testing.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains. The 430i model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque, while the M440i boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 4 Series demonstrated quick acceleration, with the 430i xDrive reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. However, the transmission's hesitancy in automatic mode detracted from the driving experience. The test car's Adaptive M Suspension and performance packages promised a sporty feel, but the steering lacked feedback, and the engine's sound was uninspiring. Despite its composed chassis and grip, the 4 Series' driving experience was less engaging than expected.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, despite being labeled a "coupe," was essentially a sedan with a raked rear window and limited rear seat functionality. The rear seats were cramped, with the low roofline making it uncomfortable for adults on longer journeys. Up front, the sport bucket seats provided ample support, though the fixed headrests could be uncomfortable on extended trips. The CLA offered 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with the option to fold down the rear seats for additional cargo room. However, the car's warning system for folded seats was a minor annoyance.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series, while not known for practicality, offered competitive front headroom and trunk space compared to its rivals. The rear seats, like those in many coupes, were best suited for children or occasional adult use. The 4 Series excelled in front-seat comfort, providing ample space for the driver and passenger. The cockpit was well-organized, with an infotainment touchscreen integrated into the dashboard for easy access. Storage solutions, such as the phone cubby and angled cupholders, were thoughtfully designed. Visibility was excellent, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the MBUX infotainment system, a significant upgrade with a touchscreen and trackpad controller. The system included steering-wheel-mounted controls for the digital screens, allowing for intuitive operation. The advanced voice-control system responded to "Hey, Mercedes" commands, adding convenience. However, the exclusive use of USB-C ports was a drawback, given the prevalence of traditional USB cables.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series came standard with the iDrive 7 infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch display screen. The optional Live Cockpit Professional setup offered a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The iDrive rotary controller provided a tactile interface, complemented by voice control and touchscreen functionality. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional options like a head-up display and wireless phone charging.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, though the lane-departure warning system was notably harsh, using abrupt braking and steering corrections. The CLA included standard airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The available surround-view camera enhanced parking precision.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series lacked crash-test ratings at the time, but it offered standard driver-assist features such as lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available through an optional package, providing advanced traffic management and steering assist.