BMW 4 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
When comparing the BMW 4 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW 4 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 4 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a better car than the BMW 4 Series.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 4 Series ranges from $38,997 to $63,985 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $44,617 to $52,783. For a new model, the BMW 4 Series's price is between $51,566 and $72,252, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $44,850 and $62,133.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 4 Series loses 52.4 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 41.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 10.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 4 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 4 Series is 6.5 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the BMW 4 Series being ranked 24 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 17 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 4 Series is 5.8 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 4 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 4 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 4 Series, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$51,566 - $72,252
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,850 - $62,133
Starting MSRP:
$43,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$58,130
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$38,800 - $98,950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$49,839
Price Range:
$38,997 - $63,985
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
343
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,675
# Good or Great Deals:
132
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,370
Price Range:
$44,617 - $52,783
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$67,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$47,250 - $119,964
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$25,828
Depreciation %:
53.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,472
Residual Value %:
46.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,514
Depreciation %:
42.9%
Resale Value $:
$24,686
Residual Value %:
57.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
42.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
40% - 44%
BMW 4 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
5.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 4 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.1 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1 - 10.4
BMW 4 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
35 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 4 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 530 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3792 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
188.5 inches
Wheelbase:
112.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3494 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
184.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
