BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 4 Series starts from $83,500 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $57,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $25,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $91,850 and $63,690 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW 4 Series and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW 4 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 4 Series and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 4 Series features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class counters with ambient lighting that the BMW 4 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The BMW 4 Series has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 4 Series is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 82mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,688mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 20L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (BMW 4 Series) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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