Mercedes-Benz CLA VS BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Likes
- Refinement
- Dynamic ability
- Design sophistication
Dislikes
- Rear headroom
- Not cheap
- So-so warranty
BMW 3 Series
Likes
- Driving performance
- Well-specified base model
- Sexy styling
Dislikes
- Harder ride might bother some people
- Cosy back seat for child seats
- Lacklustre lane keeping tech
Summary
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes-Benz’s Gordon Wagener is a car design rock star. He’s the guy that shapes the three-pointed star’s design strategy and a decade ago introduced the concept of ‘sensual purity’ as a key driver of the way the brand’s cars should look and feel. And this is the latest expression of that thought, the second-generation (C118) CLA four-door Coupe.
Wagener’s influence is critical here because the CLA is one of the most fashion-focused offerings in the ever-broadening Mercedes-Benz range.
But does the drive match the creative style? We got behind the wheel of the first model to arrive, the entry-level CLA 200, to find out.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.7L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
BMW 3 Series
Back in the day, the 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners, and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance.
And they simply looked good, no boring nanny design elements. Then the 1 Series came along and price points bumped up, so how does the ‘entry’ BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?
With an updated dashboard that brings the interior and tech up to market and a sharper exterior design, it more than holds its own at the table of luxury sedans, despite hard competition from the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C200 and Jaguar XE.
Read more about the BMW 3 Series
However, if the Merc is a placid and well-behaved mare… the BMW is the barely-broken-in bronco and it takes a certain kind of ‘rider’ to enjoy what the 320i has to offer.
I’ve been discovering just that this week with my family of three. What did we find out? Read below!
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.5L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz CLA8.1/10
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 is sleek, well-equipped, and beautifully engineered. That said, it’s pricey. You can get a car that’s 80 percent as good for 50 per cent of the price. But getting that extra 20 percent in terms of refinement, dynamic ability and design sophistication is what you’re paying for. If you’ve got the extra dough, top dollar buys you a spot on the top shelf.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
BMW 3 Series8/10
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the BMW 320i M Sport. It’s fun to drive and I felt connected to what the car was doing on the road. The harder ride may not appeal to some but I didn’t mind it. The cosy back seat and boot mean it will probably suit a smaller family best and one which doesn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of gear around regularly, but it suited my needs just fine.
I reckon this is a car for those drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance but still have a kid or two. If you’re after the cushioned comfort of a Merc, this won’t appeal but I didn't want to give this one back and happily give it a firm 8/10.
My son liked the sports car looks and enjoyed the amenities in his row. He gives it a 10/10.
Design
Mercedes-Benz CLA9/10
While the way a car looks is a subjective call, and as always, your thoughts are welcome in the comments below, I’m putting it out there… this is a beautiful machine. And Gordon Wagener’s not pulling any punches, either. He thinks it has the potential to become, “a modern design icon.”
The long bonnet, cab-rear, wide-track proportions sit within a slightly larger footprint. The new CLA is marginally longer, wider, lower overall, and has a lengthier wheelbase than the model it replaces. And the car’s intricate mix of gently curved surfaces and hard lines is expertly managed, with a standard AMG body kit, complete with 18-inch rims, adding just a hint of macho intent.
The angle of the shoulder runs from this character line, virtually unchanged up to the roof, and the inward slope of the side glass (car designers call it tumblehome) is quite pronounced. And the sweeping curve at the top of the front guards is defined by hard strakes on the outer edges of the bonnet.
The rear view is arguably the CLA’s most appealing angle with the intersection of the sloping turret, boot, and rear guards neatly resolved.
It’s super slick aerodynamically, as well, boasting a Cd of 0.23, running a close second to it’s A-Class sedan sibling (0.22) which Merc claims as the world’s most aero-efficient series production four-door.
But what about the inside? Well, the biggest visual feature is the customisable MBUX media and data interface, expressed dramatically through a pair of 10.25-inch widescreens.
The info available and number of configurations offered is mind-blowing. It’s very 2019 and spot-on target for the digital generation.
Piano black surfaces around the dash and console lift the tone (but pick up the fingerprints) while the signature turbine-style vents add another flash of visual interest without compromising function.
Other highlights include front seats with racy one-piece backs (reflected on the top of the outer rear seats, as well), frameless doors enhancing the coupe feel, and neatly detailed stitching around the dash and doors.
BMW 3 Series
Sharper than its predecessor, the new 320i has LED everything with the rear lights being longer and curving around to the sides of the car.
The classic 'kidney' grille is darkened and more pronounced, with the black panelling extending to the rear to create an unapologetically sporty presence. A presence that’s accentuated by the twin exhausts.
The batcave interior with its black headliner, black seats… black everything, looks smart and stylish.
You do have a fair bit of harder touchpoints throughout but the customisable ambient lighting helps to soften the overall effect.
With its 2068mm width, 4709mm length and 1435mm height, the sedan makes its presence known without feeling cumbersome to manoeuvre. Urban dwellers need not fear their local car park!
Practicality
Mercedes-Benz CLA7/10
Despite a two mm drop in overall height, the CLA’s front headroom has been extended by 17mm, and there’s lots of room up front, with storage running to two cupholders in the centre console, a lidded bin/armrest between the seats (including twin USB ports), an overhead sunglass holder, decent door pockets with room for bottles and a medium-size glove box.
There’s also a mat for wireless device charging at the front of the centre console, complete with another USB input (just in case).
But what does that sexy, sloping roofline do for space in the rear?
Sitting behind the driver's seat set to my (183cm) position, there’s adequate legroom, but despite Merc claiming an extra 3.0mm of headroom, my noggin made firm contact with the headliner.
It’s worth remembering this is a coupe-style four-door, with the packaging compromises a swoopy roof brings. You could call it a ‘2+3’, with a couple of doors added to make access to the back seats easier.
A centre fold-down armrest incorporates two cupholders, again there are generous pockets in the doors with room for bottles, map pockets on the front seatbacks, and adjustable ventilation outlets set into the back of the front centre console are a welcome inclusion.
There are three belted positions across the rear, but the adults using them for anything other than short journeys will have to be good friends and flexible. Kids will be fine.
Boot volume is a healthy 460 litres (VDA), which is down 10 litres on the first-gen car, but the aperture has been widened by no less than 262mm, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat opens up extra space. There are tie-down hooks, a 12-volt outlet and elasticised storage pockets either side of the load space to further enhance useability, plus a cargo net is included.
No news on towing capacity at this stage, and don’t bother looking for a spare, the tyres are run flats.
BMW 3 Series
For such a sleek looking sedan, it’s generous up front with plenty of head and legroom.
You can adjust the seat to sit quite low and both front seats have extendable under-thigh supports, which should excite taller drivers.
My 189cm (6’2”) brother has the 328i and is very comfortable but taller front passengers will encroach on back seat passenger comfort.
The front seats are quite firm on the backside, they also lack adjustable lumbar support, so expect to stretch the kinks out on a longer trip.
The amenities and tech feel well thought out and easy enough to use. The 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks great and has the best-looking graphics I’ve sampled.
The BMW system is intuitive to use once you get used to it. If you’re not interested in using the touchscreen, you can also utilise the rotary-wheel for menu selections.
There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus built-in satellite navigation.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is customisable and the information displayed simply but you won’t really look at it because of the head-up display.
Front occupants enjoy a wireless charging pad for their smart phone, a USB-A and USB-C port plus a 12-volt socket. Rear passengers get a couple of USB-C ports, too.
The storage is good for this size sedan but overall passenger room takes priority, but the glove box and middle console will suffice for everyday use.
While it may not excite others, I love the big bottle holders in the doors. They’re large enough for my big 1.5L bottle and angled for easy access. These are found in the rear doors as well.
Back seat passengers enjoy climate control, directional air vents, two cupholders, netted map pockets and reading lights.
My six-year old was happy with the amenities and lower ground clearance because he felt comfortable and had his independence.
The boot offers a good capacity of 480L and the aperture isn’t too narrow, so you can comfortably access items if they roll to the back.
I had plenty of room for my little family’s needs but if you’re a larger family, you may need to get strategic with gear storage.
Being a base model, you do miss out on a powered tailgate, which is a shame but not too much of an issue given this is a sedan and the lid isn’t heavy.
There’s also no spare tyre or even a puncture repair kit but you have run-flats, so you should be able to limp to a service centre if need be.
Price and features
Mercedes-Benz CLA8/10
In Australia the CLA 200 weighs in at $59,500, before on-road costs, which is plenty, but the all-wheel drive CLA 250 ($68,800) will join it early in 2020, so the range will line up against the likes of BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe, even the Audi A5 Sportback.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 ($83,400) arrives before the of 2019, with the full-fat CLA 45 S scheduled for Q1 2020 (estimated circa $95,000).
For that $60K price tag the CLA 200’s standard features list includes, dual-zone climate control air, sports seats, ambient (interior) lighting, ‘Artico’ and ‘Dinamica’ trim (faux leather and suede, respectively), the twin 10.25-inch digital media and instrument screens (running the ‘MBUX’ interface), an AMG styling pack (including 18-inch alloy wheels), active cruise control, auto headlights, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, DRLs and tail-lights, a leather multi-function, flat-bottom sports steering wheel, sat nav, park assist (including a reversing camera), rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, and nine-speaker audio including digital radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All CLAs can also be hooked up (via a smartphone app) to the ‘Mercedes me Connect’ remote connectivity system, allowing access to locking/unlocking the doors, tracking and locating the vehicle, retrieving maintenance and service information, and more.
For the record, our test example was loaded with five option packages, adding no less than $13,630 to the price tag for a total of $73,130. Specifically, the ‘AMG Exclusive Package’ ($3190) – Heated and cooled front seats, ‘Lugano’ two-tone leather upholstery (with contrast top-stitching), adaptive damping, and ‘Energising Comfort Control’, the ‘Communications Package’ ($2490) - Head-up display and Burmester 590W, 12-speaker ‘surround sound’ audio, ‘Driver Assistance Package’ ($1790) – ‘Active Distance Assist’ (including ‘Cross-Traffic Assist’), ‘Driving Assistance package Plus’, ‘Lane Change Assist’, ‘Extended automatic Re-start’ (in traffic), and ‘Route Based Speed Adaptation’, and ‘Seat Comfort Package’ ($1290) - Electrically adjustable front seats, memory function for driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and head-up display (if fitted), heated front seats, and passenger mirror with reverse parking position, and ‘Vision Package’ ($2490) – ‘Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS’, ‘Multibeam’ LED headlights, panoramic electric sunroof, ‘Parking package HIGH’ (featuring 360-degree camera).
BMW 3 Series
There are seven variants for the BMW 3 Series sedan and our model is the base model for the petrol variants.
There is a plug-in hybrid version, the 330e, if you’re after a more fuel-efficient option but it will up the price by about $20K.
As it stands the 320i M Sport is $78,900, before on-road costs. Our model has been finished in 'M Brooklyn Grey', which adds $1539 to the price.
That puts it at a similar price point as its rivals. You get a well-specified package with the M Sport but it doesn’t have the same sense of cushioned comfort as the Merc does, but more on that later.
Still, the sporty and streamlined interior is headlined by BMW’s dual 12.3-inch screens that sit propped on the dash like a futuristic cockpit.
The mix of synthetic leather and cloth seats are electric and have adjustable side bolsters for when you want to go hard in a turn.
The interior also boasts a sunroof and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. There are some other highlights like the 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and the crystal-clear head-up display, to name a few.
Under the bonnet
Mercedes-Benz CLA8/10
The CLA 200 is powered by Merc’s 1.3-litre (M 282), direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission (with paddle shifters on the wheel).
It’s the product of a joint development with Renault, and outputs are 120kW at 5500rpm and 250Nm at 1620rpm, which is pretty impressive for such a small capacity unit.
The single turbo features an electronically controlled wastegate and flexible charge pressure control to optimise boost across the entire rev range (rev ceiling is 6300rpm), with an equal focus on power, step-off throttle response and fuel efficiency.
BMW 3 Series
The 320i M Sport has the ‘baby’ engine in the 3 Series line-up but the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain still delivers on power with a maximum output of 135kW/300Nm.
This is a rear-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto-transmission which delivers very smooth gear changes.
Despite having the smaller engine, it can still go from 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds.
Efficiency
Mercedes-Benz CLA8/10
Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 5.7L/100km, the CLA emitting 130g/km of CO2 in the process.
At just over 1.4 tonnes it’s fairly hefty for its size, but at partial load between 1250-3800rpm two of the engine’s four cylinders shut down to improve economy. ‘ECO’ mode dampens performance in the name of improved economy, plus stop-start is standard.
And over roughly 200km of freeway, city and suburban running we saw an average of 7.5L/100km courtesy of the on-board read-out.
Minimum fuel requirement is 95 RON premium unleaded, and you’ll need 43 litres of it to fill the tank, which at our real-world average delivers a range of approximately 575km.
BMW 3 Series
In a world with rising fuel prices, the efficiency of this decently powered sedan should excite you.
The official combined fuel cycle is 6.5L/100km. Real world testing saw my figure at 7.4L/100km after a mix of open-road and urban driving this week.
I thought that was great for how hard I drove it and for the power, you won’t be wincing when you put your foot down. I would expect it to be higher in an urban setting.
The 320i has a 59L fuel tank and based on the official combined cycle figure, you should get just over 900km of driving range, which is great, especially if you do 'roadies' like me!
Driving
Mercedes-Benz CLA8/10
So, despite the engine’s small capacity the addition of a turbo means peak torque (250Nm) arrives at just 1620rpm. Power delivery is linear and mid-range acceleration is healthy. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 8.2sec, which is neither sluggish nor particularly fast, but performance is more than adequate around town and on the highway.
The seven-speed dual-clutch auto shifts smoothly, but not particularly rapidly, although a switch to manual mode and use of the wheel-mounted paddles means you can be more selective about which ratio you’re in and for how long.
Standard suspension set-up is strut front, multi-link rear, with many of the components made from aluminium to reduce unsprung weight, and the CLA feels nimble through twisting backroad bends.
Our test car was optioned with the AMG Exclusive Package, which includes adaptive dampers. And no surprise ‘Sport’ mode is severe, and the fillings in your teeth (unless you’re one of those strange people that don’t have any) will be in danger of rattling loose over anything other than a billiard table smooth surface.
By contrast, ‘Comfort’ lives up to its name with a supremely compliant ride without any sacrifice in terms of balance and (taut) body control. The standard 18-inch rims, shod with 225/45 rubber, don’t put a disenable dent in proceedings, either.
The electro-mechanical steering points accurately and delivers a good connection with what’s happening at the front wheels. Assistance is subtle.
Brakes are vented discs up front, with solid rotors at the rear. Purely in the interests of a full and well-rounded review we enthusiastically pushed through some lengthy B-road sections, and the pedal remained firm and consistent.
In short the CLA is a refined city coupe that doubles as a comfortable touring car.
BMW 3 Series
There's a lot that I like about how this performs but a highlight is how eagerly the car responds when you accelerate.
However, it’s not unbridled power. There’s no bucking at the front or shuddering through the steering wheel. It’s controlled but still very fun.
The lower centre of gravity and coupe-like height of this does mean it handles corners well and the bolstered seats hold you firmly into place, meaning you can be free to drive this a little harder than you might normally. Which I did and can confirm it handles itself well.
This has the M Sport suspension, which means it’s stiff, but you feel very connected to the road.
You do get a lot of talk-back from bumps in the road but unless you hit a big pothole, you never feel rattled by them.
But it is a harder ride than other luxury models, which doesn’t bother me as I like the handling, but if you want limo-like comfort, look elsewhere.
The cabin is very nice to spend a lot of time in and relatively quiet, even at higher speeds.
The 11.4m turning circle and sleek dimensions makes it very handy to park, even in tight car parks. The nose is long but the front and rear parking sensors take out any ‘will I make it’ moments and the super clear reversing camera is great.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz CLA10/10
It’s hard to fault Mercedes-Benz when it comes to safety, and the new CLA is loaded with standard active and passive tech.
Active safety tech includes ABS, BA, EBD, stability and traction controls, a reversing camera (with dynamic guidelines), 'Active Brake Assist' (Merc-speak for AEB), 'Adaptive Brake', 'Attention Assist', 'Blind Spot Assist' (with exit warning assistant), 'Cross-wind Assist', 'Lane Keep Assist', a tyre pressure warning system, a reversing camera plus ‘Parking Distance Control’ (front and rear), 'Traffic Sign Assist', a wet weather brake drying function, and ‘Active High Beam Control’.
If all that fails to prevent an impact you'll be protected by the 'Pre-Safe' accident anticipatory system, plus nine airbags (front, pelvis and window for driver and front passenger, side airbags for rear seat occupants and a driver's knee bag), and the 'Active Bonnet' automatically tilts to minimise pedestrian injuries.
There’s also an impact-sensing auto door unlock system, an auto emergency call function and crash responsive emergency lighting, plus a first-aid kit, warning triangle and (five) hi-vis vests in the boot are thoughtful additions.
The A-Class (which encompasses the CLA) was awarded a maximum five ANCAP stars in 2018, and for smaller occupants there are three child restraint/baby capsule top tether points across the back seat, with ISOFIX anchors on the two outer positions.
BMW 3 Series
The safety list includes a suite of features and the following come as standard: adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking (operational from 5.0-210km/h), blind-spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, forward collision warning, SOS emergency call button, daytime running lights and rear cross-traffic alert.
I like the intelligent seatbelt reminder and that the bonnet is considered 'active', meaning it will lift up and away from the engine if the sensors detect that a pedestrian has been hit.
However, I have to call out the lane departure and keeping aids. It’s a hit or miss system and I tested it extensively this week once I noticed it.
You can customise the sensitivity levels and even on the highest sensitivity, it works too sporadically for my liking. BMW should improve this system for future instalments.
The 3 Series has been awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating but it was done a while ago in 2019. It only has seven airbags and is missing the newer front centre airbag.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats and three top tether anchor points but the back seat is a bit too narrow to comfortably fit three child seats side by side.
You'll be able to fit a 0-4 rearward facing child seat but may struggle if you're a tall family.
Ownership
Mercedes-Benz CLA7/10
The Mercedes-Benz range is covered by a three year/unlimited km warranty, which, like Audi and BMW continues to lag behind the mainstream market where the majority of players are now at five years/unlimited km, with some at seven years.
On the upside, Mercedes-Benz ‘Road Care’ roadside assistance is included in the deal for three years.
Service is scheduled for 12 months/25,000km (whichever comes first) with pricing available on an 'Up-front' or 'Pay-as-you-go' basis.
For the CLA, pre-payment delivers a $500 saving, with the first three services set at a total of $2050, compared to $2550 PAYG. Fourth and fifth services are also available for pre-purchase.
BMW 3 Series
The 320i comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is standard for this class.
You can choose between a three- or five-year capped-priced servicing plan. The five-year plan costs just $2150, or $430 a year, which is competitive for this class.
Like other BMWs, servicing intervals are condition-based, with the car letting you know when it needs to be serviced.