BMW M4 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW M4 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 M4 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
When comparing the BMW M4's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW M4 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW M4's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW M4 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW M4 ranges from $79,496 to $98,979 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $44,617 to $52,783. For a new model, the BMW M4's price is between $85,088 and $105,614, 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 M4 loses 40.9 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 41.9 percent of its value. This means the BMW M4 retains 1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW M4 is 7.6 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.4 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW M4 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10. This gives the BMW M4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW M4’s base engine makes 473 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room and rear shoulder room. The BMW M4, a sports car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW M4 and Mercedes-Benz CLA are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$85,088 - $105,614
Starting MSRP:
$78,100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$102,671
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$46,440 - $273,000
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:
$88,315
Price Range:
$79,496 - $98,979
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$126,819
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$63,681 - $273,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
61
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,171
# Good or Great Deals:
10
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 $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
30.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
8.9% - 50.9%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,514
Depreciation %:
42.9%
Resale Value $:
$24,686
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
42.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
40% - 44%
BMW M4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 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 M4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
12.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
10.1 - 17.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.2%
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:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.8 - 13.4
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 M4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 40Ranking
3 out of / 40Ranking
6 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 40Ranking
22 out of / 40Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW M4 Trim Levels
Base, Competition, Competition xDrive
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:
473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.123 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:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
250 / 359 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
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51 inches
Cargo Space:
15.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
87.0 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:
3830 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 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 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R18
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
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic / Toronto Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Yellow
Sao Paulo Yellow
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
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Yellow
Not available
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Fjord Blue/Black / Yas Marina Blue/Black w/ Yellow Accent
Brown
Tartufo
Gray
Silverstone/Black
Orange
Kyalami Orange/Black
Red
Fiona Red/Black
White
Ivory White
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Blue
Not available
Brown
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Orange
Not available
Red
Classic Red/Black
White
Not available
Beige
Macchiato Beige
