Compare performance (530 HP vs 354 HP), boot space and price (41,100 £ vs 40,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
When it comes to comparing premium wagons, the BMW 3er Touring and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake are two names that frequently come to mind. Each combines practicality, style, and performance in unique ways, making the choice between them an exciting challenge for automotive enthusiasts. In this comparison, we explore their technical aspects, innovations, and overall driving experience.
The BMW 3er Touring stands tall with its robust build and iconic kidney grille, maintaining a sporty yet elegant look that is synonymous with BMW. Its dimensions, measuring around 4714 mm in length and 1827 mm in width, provide ample space while ensuring comfort for five passengers. Additionally, with a trunk capacity of 500 liters, it adds practicality to its striking design.
On the other hand, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers a sleeker silhouette, marked by its coupe-like roofline that adds a touch of elegance. Slightly smaller than the 3er Touring, at 4695 mm in length and a width of 1834 mm, the CLA compensates with a versatile trunk space ranging from 485 to 505 liters, ensuring it remains a compelling choice in the subcompact luxury wagon market.
Under the hood, the 3er Touring offers a wide range of engine options, including Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, and Plugin Hybrid configurations. The diesel options start at a respectable 150 HP and can reach up to a stunning 374 HP in the M Performance version. Notably, the Touring can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.6 seconds, showcasing its sporty credentials. The power delivery is smooth with choices of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, paired with a precise automatic gearbox.
In contrast, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake also offers a diverse engine lineup, with options including Petrol MHEV and Plugin Hybrids. Power outputs range from a modest 116 HP to an exhilarating 421 HP in the AMG version. The CLA demonstrates impressive performance as well, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds for the AMG variant. The range of front-wheel and all-wheel drive options adds versatility for various driving preferences.
Efficiency is crucial in today's automotive landscape, and the BMW 3er Touring performs commendably, yielding fuel consumption figures as low as 5.1 L/100 km in the diesel category. With a CO2 efficiency class ranging from D to G, this model is better suited for eco-conscious drivers seeking balance between performance and sustainability.
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, with a potential fuel consumption of as low as 5.0 L/100 km, demonstrates its efficiency credentials as well. Among its models, it achieves CO2 emissions as low as 132 g/km, placing it in a similar environmental efficiency range than its BMW counterpart.
Both vehicles are equipped with modern technology that enhances safety and driving enjoyment. The BMW 3er Touring is fitted with the latest BMW iDrive system, offering advanced connectivity, navigation, and a range of driver-assist features including lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.
On the flip side, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake integrates the MBUX system, featuring voice control and augmented reality navigation that is touted as one of the most intuitive on the market. Both systems cater to tech-savvy drivers looking for a seamless driving experience.
Choosing between the BMW 3er Touring and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake ultimately boils down to personal preference. The BMW leans towards those who value performance and space, while the Mercedes caters to those seeking a more stylish profile with cutting-edge technology.
Regardless of your choice, both vehicles excel in delivering a premium automotive experience packed with performance, practicality, and modern innovations, ensuring that either will meet the demands of discerning drivers and families alike.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is barely cheaper – starting at 40,800 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Touring costs 41,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 247 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Touring uses 2.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers substantially more range – reaching up to 768 km, about 671 km more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Touring offers noticeably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 354 HP. That’s roughly 176 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Touring is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake takes 5 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Touring delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 515 Nm. That’s about 185 Nm more.
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 terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Touring is barely lighter – 1,650 kg compared to 1,710 kg. The difference is around 60 kg.
Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Touring offers only slightly more boot space – 500 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 45 L.
When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Touring carries slightly more – 520 kg compared to 460 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.
The BMW 3 Series Touring is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BMW 3 Series Touring blends sporting poise with everyday practicality, wrapping sharp handling and a premium cabin into a wagon that actually makes errands feel enjoyable. It’s the kind of car that hides a family-hauler’s sense of duty beneath a driver's-car attitude — useful, classy, and just cheeky enough to make you smile on the open road.
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The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake turns estate practicality into runway-ready style with a swooping roofline and coupe-like silhouette that makes even mundane errands feel a little more glamorous. Inside it pairs clever packaging with premium flair, so you get useful load space and a grown-up cabin — ideal if you want a car that looks like a showroom trophy but still handles the weekly shop without sulking.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
41,100 - 93,300 £
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Price
40,800 - 60,900 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 10.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.4 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
91 - 97 km
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Electric Range
525 - 768 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
57 - 233 g/km
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co2
0 - 123 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Estate
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Body Type
Estate
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,650 - 2,025 kg
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Curb weight
1,710 - 2,155 kg
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Trunk capacity
410 - 500 L
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Trunk capacity
455 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
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Width
1,855 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
430 - 520 kg
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Payload
430 - 460 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
150 - 530 HP
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Power HP
156 - 354 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 - 8.9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
250 - 700 Nm
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Torque
280 - 515 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
110 - 390 kW
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Power kW
115 - 260 kW
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Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España