Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs BMW M
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 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | BMW M |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 126 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 127 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 124 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $600 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 273 g/mi | 264 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A2), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM8) | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity, Premium, Premium or E85 | Premium and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 55 | 236 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
CLA-Class vs M: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class or the BMW M?
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 CLA-Class and M offer?
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. BMW M: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as Compact Cars and the BMW M as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More CLA-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-cla-class-vs-bmw-m