2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. 2023 BMW 2-Series
The 2023 CLA from Mercedes-Benz continues to offer a prestigious and luxury subcompact executive car with sporty, coupe-like styling. The current generation was introduced in 2019 and continues to offer a perfect way to enter the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle.
The 2023 2-Series is BMW's answer to the CLA and comes in four-door GranCoupe form, as well as a two-door coupe and convertible. We will be comparing the four-door GranCoupe against the 2023 CLA.
In our CLA vs. 2-Series comparison, we will focus on the interior, performance, and safety as key areas. If you're interested in joining the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle, talk to the team at Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, to discover all there is to know about the 2023 CLA.
Interior Comparison
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2023 BMW 2-Series are rated to seat up to five adult occupants. However, given their subcompact executive car dimensions and sloping rear rooflines, four adults would be more comfortable. Reviews note that the two cars are largely similar in headroom and legroom, give or take less than an inch in most cases. They also offer similarly sized trunks, with the 2023 CLA's 11.6 cubic feet just about pipped by the 2023 2-Series' 12 cubic feet. However, the 2023 CLA's rear seat can be split-folded in a 40/20/40 configuration as standard. The 2-Series does not offer a standard split folding rear seat.
These two may be compact cars, but they offer an impressive array of standard kit, including powered driver and front passenger seats, dual-zone climate control, onboard hands-free communication system, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. The 2023 CLA also comes with a power sunroof and offers three memory settings for the driver seat, while the 2023 2-Series only offers one memory setting. Both cars can be optioned with sound system upgrades. Furthermore, the 2023 CLA's 7-inch touchscreen is usefully larger than the 6.5-inch unit on the 2023 2-Series.
Performance Comparison
The 2023 CLA comes as a CLA250 variant for the US market. This offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a 7G-Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Buyers can also choose the CLA250 4MATIC if they wish to have an all-wheel-drive car.
The 2023 2-Series is available in 228i guise, offering 228 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Drive goes to the front wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 228i xDrive variant adds an all-wheel-drive system.
Both cars offer similar fuel economy. However, the 2023 CLA can go a bit further, thanks to a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, larger than the 13.2-gallon tank in the 2023 2-Series.
For performance seekers who wish to retain four doors, Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG CLA35, with 302 horsepower, and the AMG CLA45, with 382 horsepower. BMW offers the M235i xDrive with 302 horsepower to compete with the CLA35. There are more powerful 2-Series variants, but they are of the two-door variety only.
Safety Features Comparison
he 2023 CLA and 2023 2-Series have at least eight airbags, stability control, traction control, child safety locks, brake assist, blind spot monitor, and daytime running lights as standard. The tire pressure monitoring system on the CLA offers location and pressure indication, while the 2-Series only provides a warning lamp. Both cars can be optioned with more safety features, including a heads-up display and surround-view camera system.
Find the 2023 CLA in Roanoke, VA
If you're seeking a stylish and prestigious subcompact executive car, it's hard to say no to the 2023 CLA. The 2023 2-Series is a strong contender for the best subcompact executive car with many fine characteristics, but it can't beat the formidable Mercedes-Benz offering. Why not come over to Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, and check out the 2023 CLA? Do a test drive, and you might be tempted to take one home with you.
