2 Series Gran Coupe vs CLA
For compact luxury car shoppers, the 2 Series Gran Coupe from BMW and the CLA from Mercedes-Benz are two of the obvious candidates. The gap between the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the CLA is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 2 Series Gran Coupe wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Gran Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range8.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 20 hp more power
It’s a small lead (241 hp versus 221 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 37 lb-ft more torque
The CLA isn’t far behind at 258 lb-ft, but the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s 295 lb-ft still comes out ahead. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better highway fuel economy
A narrow win for the 2 Series Gran Coupe. With 38 mpg to 36 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
2 Series Gran Coupe leads
This is one of the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the CLA falls well short. The 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with 20 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Total system output
2 Series Gran Coupe: 241 hp CLA: 221 hp The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
2 Series Gran Coupe: 295 lb-ft CLA: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Gran Coupe leads
Slight edge to the 2 Series Gran Coupe on fuel economy & range. Most buyers could live happily with either. Here the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers better highway fuel economy. The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (highway)
2 Series Gran Coupe: 38 mpg CLA: 36 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Gran Coupe | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Gran Coupe | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 38 mpg (winner) Best highway economy | 36 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Gran Coupe | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Gran Coupe | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Gran Coupe | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Gran Coupe if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (241 hp vs 221 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (38 mpg vs 36 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 2 Series Gran Coupe or the CLA?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Gran Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the CLA doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Mercedes-Benz. I only care that you end up with the right one of the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the CLA. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the 2 Series Gran Coupe brings 20 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the 2 Series Gran Coupe has better highway fuel economy.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the CLA for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.