How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA compare to the 2021 BMW 2 Series?
The compact/subcompact members of their respective families, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2021 BMW 2 Series offer the expected levels of quality and a variety of engines, including high-performance variants. Lets compare them. Starting price: $38,900  Above average: Optional all-wheel drive; MBUX infotainment system; two AMG variants. 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, its 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  The BMW 2 series BMW  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 BMW, +0.56% 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. Also see: BMW introduces two new electric carsand theyre very different  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. You might like: This new Bugatti sold for $19 million: photos  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 ones smartphone to record track times and other data. BMW 2 Series  With BMWs 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 AAPL, +1.25% CarPlay. Note that Android Auto integration is limited to the Gran Coupe model. Also see: This is the luxury car that costs the least over 5 years  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 drivers 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. 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. The IRS polled Americans for an answer  Were 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  2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021 BMW 2 Series Popular Powertrains Engine 2.0-liter turbo I4 2.0-liter turbo I4 Horsepower 221 hp @ 5,800 rpm 248 hp @ 5,200 rpm Torque 258 lb-ft @ 1,800rpm 258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm Transmission 7-spd automatic 8-spd automatic Fuel Economy 28 mpg (25 city/35 hwy) 28 mpg (25 city/32 hwy) Also Available 2.0-liter turbo I4; AWD 3.0-liter turbo I6; 6-spd manual; AWD Specs Basic warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles NHTSA Overall Safety Rating n/a n/a Max Seating Capacity 5 5 Wheelbase 107.4 inches 105.9 inches Overall Length 184.6 inches 174.7 inches Width 72.0 inches 69.8 inches Height 56.3 inches 55.8 inches Turning Diameter 36.1 feet 35.8 feet Headroom, Front 38.5 inches 40.1 inches Headroom, Rear 35.7 inches 36.5 inches Legroom, Front 41.8 inches 41.4 inches Legroom, Rear 33.9 inches 33.0 inches Shoulder Room, Front 55.1 inches 54.4 inches Shoulder Room, Rear 54.0 inches 53.4 inches EPA Passenger Volume 89.0 cubic feet 90.0 cubic feet EPA Cargo Volume 13.1 cubic feet 13.8 cubic feet  This story originally ran on KBB.com.