Compare the2024 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2023 Mercedes AMG CLA

The 2 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series offers optional Active Park Distance Control that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The 2 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG CLA.

Both the 2 Series and the AMG CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLA’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG CLA.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 2 Series has a standard 170-amp alternator (210-amp - 2 Series 6 cyl.). The AMG CLA’s 115-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 2 Series’ reliability 16 points higher than the AMG CLA.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series third among small premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The AMG CLA isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 354) than the AMG CLA 45’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series gets better mileage than the AMG CLA:

For better stopping power the M240i Coupe xDrive’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLA:

The 230i is 5.8 inches shorter than the AMG CLA, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the 2 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 2 Series has 1.3 inches more front headroom and .8 inches more front shoulder room than the AMG CLA.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series offers cargo security. The AMG CLA’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

The engine in the 2 Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the AMG CLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 2 Series is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series second among small premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG CLA isn’t in the top three.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Mercedes CLA by 32% during 2022.