BMW M vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 100 mpg advantage and costs about $2,300 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Compact Cars · 55 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW M | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 126 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg | 127 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 124 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 264 g/mi ✓ | 273 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic (A2), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium and Electricity, Premium | Electricity, Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 236 | 55 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
M vs CLA-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW M or the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 100 mpg advantage and costs about $2,300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the BMW M — a difference of roughly $2,300 per year.
What engines do the M and CLA-Class offer?
BMW M: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the BMW M as Subcompact Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as Compact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More M comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-m-vs-mercedes-benz-cla-class