BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE

×

MERCEDES-BENZ CLA COUPE

The new 2 Series Gran Coupe is full of advanced features, while the CLA is just as attractive.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s body dimensions are almost the same as its predecessor, measuring 4550mm long, 1800mm wide and 1435mm high. There are no major changes to the interior space or luggage compartment, but the interior and exterior have been completely redesigned with BMW’s latest design, demonstrating a highly advanced design. The more stylish exterior features a newly designed kidney grille with an “Iconic Glow” glowing edge, and the interior features a curved display in front of the driver that combines the meter and control display. Although it is a four-door coupe, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s rear seats have ample space for three adults, and the 430L trunk also features a trunk-through function with a wide opening.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which debuted in 2019, measures 4690mm long, 1835mm wide, and 1405mm high. While only slightly larger than the 2 Series Gran Coupe, its sleek silhouette and refined details, similar to the S-Class, give it a sense of spaciousness that exceeds its numerical value. The interior boasts the elegant design typical of Mercedes-Benz, and thanks to the curved display that has been used since its debut, it does not look inferior to the latest models. The CLA’s trunk capacity is a generous 640L, and it also has a trunk-through design. It can be said that its practicality, including livability, is comparable to that of the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe

Body size = Length 4550mm x Width 1800mm x Height 1435mm

Wheelbase = 2670mm

Vehicle weight = 1590kg

Tire size = 225/45R18 (front and rear)

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC

Body size = Length 4690mm x Width 1835mm x Height 1405mm

Wheelbase = 2730mm

Vehicle weight = 1640kg

Tire size = 245/35R19 (front and rear)

The basic configuration of the powertrain is almost the same, but the differences are the flavor of each brand

The M235i xDrive, an M Performance model of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 300 PS and a maximum torque of 400 Nm.

The drive system is FF-based AWD, and the transmission has been changed from the previous 8-speed AT to a 7-speed DCT, which allows for high-speed shifting. The newly installed “M Sport Boost function” is a function that switches all settings to performance-priority mode by simply pulling the left paddle shift for one second.

The CLA’s “35 4MATIC” also has a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a maximum output of 306 PS and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, making it almost on par with the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The drivetrain is also the same front-wheel drive-based AWD, but the transmission is an 8-speed DCT with one more gear.

The CLA is equipped with a mild hybrid system, albeit a low-output motor, so it can be said that the CLA has a slight advantage in terms of power performance, but when comparing the average fuel economy in the WLTC mode, the CLA’s is 11.5km/L, while the 2 Series Gran Coupe is 12.6km/L.

This is thought to be due to the fact that the BMW engine can generate maximum torque over a wider range of revolutions and that the car is slightly lighter in weight. Furthermore, since the 2 Series Gran Coupe also has better fuel economy at high speeds, the seven-speed gearbox does not appear to have much of an effect on fuel economy.

BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1998cc

Maximum engine output = 300PS/5750rpm

Maximum engine torque = 400Nm/2000-4500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine + motor

Displacement = 1991cc

Maximum engine output = 306PS/6100rpm

Maximum engine torque = 400Nm/2500-4000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

The latest 2 Series Gran Coupe takes the lead with a price difference of 1.2 million yen

The 2 Series Gran Coupe “M235i xDrive” is priced at 7.34 million yen, while the CLA “35 4MATIC” is priced at 8.66 million yen, with a price difference of about 1.3 million yen between the two. Both are compact 4-door coupes with similar characters, and there is no significant difference in the powertrain. The basic equipment is also almost the same.

The reason for this price difference is likely due to the cost of the mild hybrid system installed in the CLA, as well as the high brand value unique to AMG, including the detailed texture of the interior and exterior. Although the CLA is nearing the end of its model life, it still has performance and appeal that is not inferior to the latest 2 Series Gran Coupe. The key to choosing between the two will be whether the design suits your taste.

Both have body sizes reminiscent of the relationship between the former 3 Series and C-Class. Both have sashless doors and vivid seat colors to choose from. The appeal of a four-door coupe is that it gives you a special feeling when getting in and out that is different from a sedan.