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BMW 3 Series Touring vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (550 HP vs 354 HP), boot space and price (41100 £ vs 48900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?

3 Series Touring

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.

CLA Shooting Brake

Design & Aesthetics

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.

3 Series Touring

Powertrains & Performance

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.

CLA Shooting Brake

Fuel Efficiency & Emissions

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.

3 Series Touring

Technological Innovations

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.

CLA Shooting Brake

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

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.

BMW 3 Series Touring

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

3 Series Touring

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW 3 Series Touring has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 41100 £ , while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake costs 48900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7882 £.

As for electric range, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake performs significantly better – achieving up to 768 km, about 671 km more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

CLA Shooting Brake

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 Touring has a distinct edge – offering 550 HP compared to 354 HP. That’s roughly 196 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Touring is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake takes 5 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

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

3 Series Touring

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, BMW 3 Series Touring is evident lighter – 1650 kg compared to 2075 kg. The difference is around 425 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 3 Series Touring offers minimal more room – 500 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 45 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 3 Series Touring slightly takes the win – 520 kg compared to 460 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Touring holds a very small edge 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.

BMW 3 Series Touring
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £41,100
3 Series Touring

BMW 3 Series Touring

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 550 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 10.5 L
  • Electric Range : 91 - 97 km

BMW 3 Series Touring

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate

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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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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.

details
BMW 3 Series Touring
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

Price
41100 - 131100 £
Price
48900 - 60900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 10.5 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.7 - 13.3 kWh
Electric Range
91 - 97 km
Electric Range
742 - 768 km
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
57 - 238 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1650 - 2025 kg
Curb weight
2075 - 2155 kg
Trunk capacity
410 - 500 L
Trunk capacity
455 L
Length
4713 - 4714 mm
Length
-
Width
1827 - 1918 mm
Width
1855 mm
Height
1440 - 1448 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1420 - 1510 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 520 kg
Payload
430 - 460 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 550 HP
Power HP
272 - 354 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 - 6.8 s
Max Speed
213 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
335 - 515 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
110 - 405 kW
Power kW
200 - 260 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW 3 Series Touring offered with different drivetrains?

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

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.