Kelley Blue Book: How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA compare to the 2021 BMW 2 Series?

Below average: Tight rear seat; front-wheel drive in base trim; price rises quickly with options; lane-keeping assist can be intrusive.

Consensus: With the same shape but smaller than its CLS-Class cousin, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a subcompact luxury sedan with sporty coupe aspirations. It offers a base turbocharged 4-cylinder and a couple of AMG upgrades that add all-wheel drive standard and tune the engine for more power. Predictably, it’s stylish and loaded with technology. But the coupe shape cuts into rear-seat space, and as with any Mercedes, the options cause the price to rise significantly.

2021 BMW 2 Series

Starting price: $36,695

Above average: Great driving manners; performance M2 variant; choice of body styles including, coupe, convertible, and 4-door Gran Coupe; optional all-wheel drive.

Below average: Cramped rear seat; expensive at the high end; no Android Auto in coupe or convertible.

Consensus: With coupe, convertible, and 4-door Gran Coupe body styles, the 2021 BMW
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2 Series is a versatile little performer with the superb driving manners and performance expected from the German automaker. The rear seat is tight, however, and the top M2 variants can get quite pricey.

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CLA vs. 2 Series: Nimble and fun

Mercedes-Benz CLA

With the “4-door coupe” roofline of the larger CLS-Class, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small sporty sedan propelled by a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine hooked up to either front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. As is expected from Mercedes, the CLA rides comfortably but also has good power. Paddle shifters allow manual control of the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes’ in-house tuner AMG has breathed upon that turbocharged 4-cylinder for two different variants with considerably more power, but bear in mind that the CLA 45 (the more powerful of the two with 382 horsepower) starts nearly $20,000 higher than the base CLA 250. But the AMG models also include sport-tuned suspensions and standard all-wheel drive.

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The interior of the CLA is handsomely equipped and features comfortable seats, ample front headroom, and excellent outward visibility. Due to the sloped roofline, however, backseat space is at a premium, with the rear best suited to two adults rather than three.

Standard features include the excellent Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, two 7-inch screens for infotainment, and lots of standard safety features. AMG variants are available with some sporty options that include something called Track Pace, which allows one’s smartphone to record track times and other data.

BMW 2 Series

With BMW’s odd-numbered models indicating sedans versus their even-numbered coupes, the 2021 BMW 2 Series is a bit of an outlier, as it also offers a 4-door variant known as the Gran Coupe. This makes for quite a bit of choice, with a 2 Series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe.

There is a choice of engines ranging from a turbocharged 4-cylinder churning out 248 hp (228 in the Gran Coupe) up to two different turbocharged 6-cylinders in the high-performance M models.

Even the base 2 Series is wonderful to drive, with great steering, an excellent 8-speed automatic or optional 6-speed manual transmission, and a tight suspension that makes it a pleasure to throw into curves. The standard setup is rear-wheel drive, although the Gran Coupe is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option for all models except the top M Competition, which is only available as a rear-wheel-drive coupe.

Inside, the 2021 BMW 2 Series is well built, made of high-quality materials. As BMW typically keeps the focus on the driver, the front seats are comfortable and supportive, with simulated leather upholstery and plenty of power adjustment. As stated above, the rear seats are best left for small children, whether in the coupe or the 4-door Gran Coupe.

Standard features include run-flat tires, a split-folding rear seat, automatic climate control, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple
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CarPlay. Note that Android Auto integration is limited to the Gran Coupe model.

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The convertible models get a power fabric top and a wind deflector, and the M models have the higher tune engine, variable-ratio steering, 18-inch wheels, M sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension.

The top M2 Competition Coupe is much more focused, with a 405-hp engine, a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission, and an optional driver’s package. Optional extras include a Dakota leather package, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Similarities

Tight rear seat; expensive; available high-performance variants; fuel economy; resale value.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA advantages

Wider Android Auto compatibility; less expensive at the top end; elegant interior.

2021 BMW 2 Series advantages

Optional convertible and coupe body styles; rear-wheel drive; 6-cylinder engines; more fun to drive.

Which one is right for me?

A 4-door subcompact, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA has the style and high-quality materials expected of a Mercedes. The ride is comfortable and composed, with a midrange AMG model or the all-wheel-drive CLA 45 for those ready to attack the curves.

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We’re impressed with the versatility of the 2021 BMW 2 Series, offered as either a coupe or convertible as well as the 4-door Gran Coupe. Handling and engine performance are top-notch as expected, with the high-performance M variants in a class by themselves.

Compare the specs

This story originally ran on KBB.com.