@ BMW Group Press
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes CLA Coupe – Which car suits you better?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes CLA Coupe?

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mercedes CLA Coupe has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 37100 £, while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39900 £. That’s a price difference of around 2840 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes CLA Coupe manages with 2.30 L and is therefore slight more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.40 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes CLA Coupe performs decisively better – achieving up to 791 km, about 690 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon has a distinct edge – offering 530 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 109 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe takes 4.10 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes CLA Coupe performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the BMW 3 Series Saloon tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 3 Series Saloon pulls distinct stronger with 700 Nm compared to 515 Nm. That’s about 185 Nm difference.

3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Mercedes CLA Coupe is hardly perceptible lighter – 1505 kg compared to 1575 kg. The difference is around 70 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers slight more room – 480 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 3 Series Saloon minimal takes the win – 495 kg compared to 490 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes CLA Coupe shows itself to be barely ahead and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £37,100
CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes CLA Coupe

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 8.9 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 12.2 - 12.6 kWh
  • Electric Range : 86 - 791 km

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series Saloon seamlessly blends elegance with sporty performance, offering a driving experience that's both dynamic and refined. Its meticulously crafted interior and intuitive technology create a comfortable and connected environment for both driver and passengers. On the road, the 3 Series delivers agile handling and a smooth ride, making it a standout choice in its class.

details

Mercedes CLA Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé exudes sophistication with its sleek, aerodynamic design that effortlessly combines elegance and sportiness. Inside, the cabin offers a luxurious experience, featuring high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology that ensure both comfort and connectivity for the driver and passengers. On the road, the CLA Coupé delivers a dynamic driving performance, characterised by responsive handling and a smooth ride, making it a joy to drive both in the city and on long journeys.

details
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes CLA Coupe
3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press
CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
39900 - 91000 £
Price
37100 - 73700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 8.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.2 - 12.6 kWh
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
86 - 791 km
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.9 - 85 kWh
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
0 - 202 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
1575 - 1960 kg
Curb weight
1505 - 2135 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
395 - 460 L
Length
4713 - 4801 mm
Length
4692 - 4723 mm
Width
1827 - 1903 mm
Width
1834 - 1857 mm
Height
1437 - 1446 mm
Height
1404 - 1468 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
440 - 490 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol, Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.1 - 10 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
205 - 270 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
230 - 515 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, G, A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.