Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs BMW 2 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
From $66,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
100kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
405L
BMW 2 Series
From $59,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
115kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
360L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW 2 Series opens at $59,900. That makes the BMW 2 Series the more affordable entry point by $6,600.
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 $73,150 and $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 2 Series. The BMW 2 Series counters with head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The BMW 2 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The BMW 2 Series has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 2 Series is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class measures 4,723mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 177mm longer than the BMW 2 Series at 4,546mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 360L in the BMW 2 Series, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 45L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m diameter
Average
Based on 11.7m 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 $1,539/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and $1,796/year for the BMW 2 Series. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $1,796 (BMW 2 Series). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 2 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 2 Series if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 2 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW 2 Series?
The BMW 2 Series is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $6,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW 2 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 405L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 2 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 2 Series makes the most power at 115kW. The BMW 2 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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