Mercedes-Benz CLA vs BMW 4 Series

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 4 Series
2022 BMW 4 Series
$45,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 4 Series
$45,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2014-Present

Years produced

2014-Present

MSRP

$42,750

MSRP

$45,200

Listings

4559

Listings

6665

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing styling

  • Cramped back seat

  • Poor value for money

Reviews Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

Reviews Summary

After a one-year hiatus, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe returns. A direct competitor to the Audi A5 Sportback, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is based on the 4 Series coupe but takes the form of a five-door hatchback offering easier rear-seat access and some of the cargo utility you'll find in an SUV. Like other 4 Series models, the Gran Coupe comes in 430i ($45,200) and M440i ($58,200) specification. However, BMW still doesn't offer an M4 performance version of the Gran Coupe. The new Gran Coupe does, however, serve as the basis for the electric BMW i4.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 221 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

34
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 4 Series
2022 BMW 4 Series
$45,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 4 Series
$45,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2014-Present
2014-Present
MSRP
$42,750
$45,200
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.6

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing styling

  • Cramped back seat

  • Poor value for money

Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

After a one-year hiatus, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe returns. A direct competitor to the Audi A5 Sportback, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is based on the 4 Series coupe but takes the form of a five-door hatchback offering easier rear-seat access and some of the cargo utility you'll find in an SUV. Like other 4 Series models, the Gran Coupe comes in 430i ($45,200) and M440i ($58,200) specification. However, BMW still doesn't offer an M4 performance version of the Gran Coupe. The new Gran Coupe does, however, serve as the basis for the electric BMW i4.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 221 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
26
25
MPG Highway
36
34
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