2014 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
Competitive Reference Guide
2014 BMW 328i Sedan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
BMW Color and Clarity
3 Series Accolades:
 2014 Car & Driver “10Best” for the 23 rd consecutive time
 2014 Consumer Reports – Top Pick in the 2014 Sport Sedan Category
 2014 Cars.com Luxury Car of the Year
 2013 Automobile Magazine “All-Star” for the 23rd time
 2013 International Engine of the Year (1.8-liter to 2.0-liter size class)
 2013 Ward’s Auto World “10 Best Engines” award recipient
 2012 Car & Driver: 1st place in an 5 car comparison
 2012 Motor Trend: 1st place in an 8 car comparison
 2013 Cars.com / USA Today Sports Car Challenge: 1 st place out of 6 cars
 2013 IIHS “Top Safety Pick”
Standard BMW features that are optional on the CLA250:
 LED taillights
 Dual-zone climate control
 Wood trim
 Garage door opener
 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
 iPod adapter
BMW Performance Advantages:
 RWD vs. FWD
 Horsepower: 240 vs. 208 (+ 15%)
 Standard 8-speed transmission vs. 7-speed transmission
 0 – 60 mph: 5.8 seconds vs. 6.9 seconds
 Fuel tank: 15.8 gallons vs. 14.5 gallons
 Weight bias: 50/50 vs. 61/39 (CLA250 is 721 lbs. nose-heavy)
 Wheelbase: 110.6” vs. 106.3” – a longer wheelbase results in better handling
and shorter front and rear overhangs, in addition to more interior cabin space
 Rear brakes: 11.8” ventilated vs. 11.6”solid
Standard BMW features that are not available on the CLA250:
 Driving Dynamics Control – allows the driver to adjust more vehicle
parameters than the Benz’s ability to only change transmission shift points
 Dynamic Traction Control
 Brake Fade Compensation
 Fog lights
 Adaptive Brakelights
 Passenger knee air bag
 Start/Stop button
 Programmable Memory Keys & Integrated Owner’s Manual
 Power folding exterior mirrors
 Dynamic cruise control
 TeleService
Optional BMW features that are not available on the CLA250:
 6-speed manual transmission
 iDrive controller with Touchpad
 Automatic high beams
 Comfort Access & hands-free trunk opener
 Power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades
 Sport seats with manual thigh adjustment and power side bolsters
 Heated rear seats and heated steering wheel
 Headlight washers
 Speed Limit Info
 Adaptive M Suspension
 Variable Sport Steering
 Side View Cameras and Top View Cameras with Surround View
 Adaptive headlights and Cornering lights
 Head-up Display
 Mobile Office and Message Dictation
Additional BMW Advantages:
 More head room: +2.1” front / +2.3” rear
 More leg room: +1.8” front / + 8.0” rear
 More rear shoulder room: +1.9”
 Standard split fold-down rear seat is 40:20:40 vs. a 60:40 design
 Optional interior trims: High-gloss black or Aluminum Hexagon vs. NA
 iDrive display: 6.5” vs. 5.8” (w/o Navigation) / 8.8” vs. 7.0” (w/ Navigation)
 Navigation: 200 GB w/ 20 GB Music Collection vs. 80 GB w/ 10 GB jukebox
 Premium audio: 600 watts & 16 speakers vs. 450 watts & 12 speakers
 Corrosion Warranty: 12 yrs. / unlimited miles vs. 4 yrs. / 50,000 miles
Press Reviews
Motor Trend (May 2012) – 328i placed 1st out of 8 cars
 This is not just a win for the 328i; it’s a massacre. A slaughter. Doomsday.
Armageddon. I say this with a straight face: There is no competition. Not only
was the BMW’s first-place finish never in question, but I can’t remember a
comparison test with such lopsided results
 BMW was the fastest car here…rode the best, had the best steering and
transmission…has the best laid-out interior, is the most comfortable, has an
unbelievable nav screen, and to top it all off, has the biggest back seat
 In full, glaring, retina-searing contrast, this BMW wins this competition
because it does everything better than the rest. For now, all the competition
can do is head back to their drawing boards
Car and Driver (March 2012): 328i placed 1st out of 5 cars
 1st place in these categories: Ergonomics, Rear-Seat Comfort, Rear-Seat
Space, Trunk Space, Features/Amenities, Fit and Finish, Interior Styling,
Exterior Styling, Fuel Economy, Transmission, Brake Feel, and Ride
 Turbo four thinks it’s a six, balanced weight means balanced handling
 Power is delivered evenly from just off of idle all the way to the 7000-rpm
redline. Note that the BMW is the only car here that shifted at redline
Cars.Com / USA TODAY (April 2013) : 328i placed 1st out of 6 cars
 Fastest time in our zero-to-60 and quarter-mile time trials. Best braking
performance. Best observed mpg.
 An outstanding combination of performance, fuel efficiency and roominess
that makes its relatively high price easy to accept
Consumer Reports (December 2013)
 Selected as one of the “10 Worst Cars of 2013”
 It is a cramped, noisy, FWD compact with a stiff ride, impaired visibility, and
exceptionally difficult access. It also lacks the handling finesse and refinement
we expect at this price. Factor in the challenge in finding a CLA anywhere
close to the heavily advertised $29,000, and this is a Benz to avoid
USA Today (September 2013)
 …the swooping roofline that looks so good shrinks the back-door openings
mercilessly and chops off headroom for anyone over about 5-foot-6
Car and Driver (March 2013)
 Just as aggravating are shift schedules that on several occasions had us
taking our hands off the wheel and throwing them in the air
 …leg- and headroom evoke occupying the back of a Mustang or Porsche 911
Car and Driver (November 2013)
 When you pay half for a Mercedes, you get half a Mercedes
 …impact harshness is a problem. It’s bad on pockmarked pavement and
worse on big bumps, where the CLA can and will bottom out
 …hard to miss the 5.8-inch multimedia display screen. It sticks up from the
top of the dash like something installed by your cousin…Its LCD has a pixel
display density closer to a Lite-Brite than an Apple Retina display
Road and Track (March 2013)
 …at low speed, urban ruts produce an audible thump that echoes through the
cabin with the subtlety of a judge pounding a gavel in a rowdy courtroom
Costs
Base MSRP + Destination
Metallic paint
Maintenance (3 years)
Real Time Traffic
SiriusXM
Fuel economy (auto. trans.)
BMW Apps
BMW Search
BMW Assist eCall
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
Concierge Services
$37,300 + $925 = $38,225
$550
$0
Included with Navigation (3 yrs.)
Premium Pkg. (includes 1 yr. of service)
23 / 35 / 27 combined
ECO PRO can further increase by 20%
Included with Navigation (no monthly fee)
Included with Navigation (3 yrs.)
S (10 yrs.)
Included with Navigation (10 yrs.)
$250 (3 yrs.)
$29,900 + $925 = $30,825
$720 (metallic) or $2,500 (designo colors)
$2,260 ($62.77 per month – C250 Coupe figures) – Edmunds.com
Included with Navigation (6 mos.)
Premium Pkg. (includes 6 mos. of service)
26 / 38 / 30 combined
Included with Navigation (3 mos., then $14 / mo. Requires $280 / yr. mbrace)
Included with Navigation (3 mos., then $14 / mo. Requires $280 / yr. mbrace)
S (6 mos.; $280 / yr. mbrace subscription thereafter)
S (6 mos.; $280 / yr. mbrace subscription thereafter)
S (3 mos. included, then $20 / mo. Requires $280 / yr. mbrace subscription
For use within the BMW organization only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices and packaging subject to change. February 21, 2014
1
2014 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
Competitive Reference Guide
Accolades
2014 Car and Driver “10Best”
2014 Consumer Reports
2014 Cars.com
2013 Automobile “All-Star”
2013 Intl. Engine of the Year
2013 Ward’s “10 Best Engines”
2013 Cars.com / USA TODAY
2012 Motor Trend comparison
2012 Car and Driver comparison
2013 IIHS “Top Safety Pick”
Pricing
Base MSRP + Destination
Metallic Paint
Full Maintenance Program
Maintenance (3 yrs. – Edmunds)
Maintenance intervals
Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Corrosion
Roadside Assistance
Performance & Efficiency
Displacement
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission (standard)
Transmission (optional)
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
Drivetrain
Driving Dynamics Control
Servotronic® steering
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Brake Drying
Brake Stand-by
Brake Fade Compensation
Start-off Assistant
Wheels (in.)
EfficientDynamics
Brake Energy Regeneration
High-precision direct injection
Valvetronic
Auto Start-Stop
ECO PRO mode
Electric Power Steering
Fuel economy (mpg)
Fuel tank (gallons)
Exterior Stats
Length (in.)
Wheelbase (in.)
Turning circle (ft.)
Curb weight (lbs.)
Weight bias (front/rear %)
Interior Stats
Head room (in.)
Leg room (in.)
Shoulder room (in.)
Trunk capacity (cu-ft.)





2014 328i Sedan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
S (23rd consecutive time)
Top Pick – 2014 Sport Sedan Category
2014 Luxury Car of the Year
S (23rd time)
S
S
“Sports Car Challenge”: 1st out of 6 cars
1st place out of 8 vehicles tested
1st place out of 5 vehicles tested
S
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Not tested, but C Class Sedan was 6th out of 6 cars
Not tested, but C Class sedan placed 3rd
Not tested, but C Class sedan placed 4th
Not yet tested
$37,300 + $925 = $38,225
$550
4 / 50
$0
10,000 miles or 12 months
$29,900 + $925 = 30,825
$720 (metallic) or $2,500 (designo colors)
NA
$2,260 ($62.77 per month – C250 Coupe figures)
10,000 miles or 12 months
4 / 50
4 / 50
12 / unlimited
4 / unlimited
4 / 50
4 / 50
4 / 50
Lifetime
2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder
240 @ 5000
255 @ 1250 – 4800
8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
6-speed manual
8-speed Sport automatic w/ paddle shifters
(requires Sport Line or M Sport)
5.7 (6M)
5.8 (8A)
RWD
S
Transmission shift characteristics
Accelerator pedal response
Power steering assistance
Traction control (DTC in Sport+ mode)
Suspension firmness (if equipped with
optional Adaptive M suspension)
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
17”
2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder
208 @ 5500
258 @ 1250
7-speed DCT with shift paddles
NA
6.9
FWD
S
 Transmission shift characteristics
S
S (Electronic Traction System – ETS)
NA
S (Electronic Stability Program – ESP)
S (Automatic Brake Drying)
S (Predictive Brake Priming)
NA
S (Hill Start Assist)
17”
S
S
S
S
S
S
22 / 34 / 26 combined (6M)
23 / 35 / 27 combined (8A)
15.8
S
S
NA
S (ECO Start/Stop)
S
S
26 / 38 / 30 combined
182.5
110.6
37.1
3360 (6M)
3410 (8A)
49.4 / 50.6 (6M)
50 / 50 (8A)
182.3
106.3
36.1
3275
61 / 39 ( + 721 lbs. nose heavy)
40.3 / 37.7
(39.5 / 37.4 w/ moonroof)
42.0 / 35.1
55.1 / 55.1
13.0
14.5
38.2 / 35.4
(37.0 / 35.6 w/ moonroof)
40.2 / 27.1
56.0 / 53.2
13.1
For use within the BMW organization only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices and packaging subject to change. February 21, 2014
2
2014 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
Competitive Reference Guide
Safety & Security
Anti-lock Braking System
Dynamic Brake Control
Automatic headlight control
Fog lights
LED tail lights
Adaptive Brakelights
Rain-sensing wipers
Tire Pressure Monitor
Run-flat Tires
Front air bags
Knee air bags
Side-impact air bags
Head Protection System
Automatic Collision Notification
Emergency Request
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Start/Stop button
iDrive system
Programmable Memory Buttons
Integrated Owner’s Manual
Upholstery
Interior trim (dash, console)
Power front seats
Memory system
Split fold-down rear seatback
Sport steering wheel
Steering wheel adjustments
Garage door opener
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Audio system
HD Radio
iPod / USB adapter
Bluetooth®
Cruise control
Ambiance interior lighting
TeleService
Option Packages
2014 328i Sedan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
12.3” ventilated disc / 11.8” ventilated disc
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Dual-stage, dual-threshold
S (driver and front passenger)
S (front seats)
S (front & rear)
S (10 yrs. – BMW Assist eCall)
S (10 yrs. – BMW Assist eCall)
12.6” ventilated disc / 11.6” solid disc
S (Brake Assist)
S
NA
Included with optional Xenon headlights ($850)
NA
S
S
S
Dual-stage, dual-threshold
S (Driver’s only)
S (front seats)
S (front & rear)
S (mbrace: 6 mos.; $280 / yr. thereafter)
S (mbrace: 6 mos.; $280 / yr. thereafter)
S (with rear air vents)
S
S
S (central hand controller and 6.5” display)
S
S
SensaTec (leatherette)
Dark Burl Walnut wood
S (8-way driver & passenger)
S (Driver’s seat, exterior mirrors)
S (40:20:40)
S
Manual tilt/telescopic
S
S
S (both mirrors)
S
Single-disc CD with 9 speakers
S
S
S
S (Dynamic)
S (ColorSwitch included with any Design Line)
S (10 yrs.)
S (with rear air vents)
Premium Pkg.
NA
S (central hand controller and 5.8” display)
NA
NA
MB-Tex (leatherette)
Anthracite (low-sheen metallic)
S (10-way driver & passenger)
S (Driver’s seat, exterior mirrors)
S (60:40)
S
Manual tilt/telescopic
Premium Pkg.
Premium Pkg.
Premium Pkg. (driver’s side only)
NA
Single-disc CD with 8 speakers
S
Premium Pkg.
S
S
S
NA
Luxury Line ($2,100) *Requires Premium Pkg.
Sport Line ($2,500)
M Sport ($3,500)
Premium Pkg. ($3,100)
Comfort Access w/ hands-free trunk opener, 4-way power
lumbar, moonroof, Dakota leather, SiriusXM (1 yr. free)
Dynamic Handling Pkg. ($1,000)
Adaptive M Suspension, Variable sport steering
Cold Weather Pkg. ($950) *Requires leather seats
Heated front/rear seats & steering, headlight washers
Driver Assistance Pkg. ($950)
Park Distance Control, Rear-view Camera
Driver Assistance Plus ($1,900)
*Requires Driver Assistance Pkg. and Navigation
Active Blind Spot Detection, Side and Top View Cameras,
Speed Limit Info, Active Driving Assistant (Lane Departure
Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning, and
City Collision Mitigation)
Lighting Pkg. ($900)
Xenon Adaptive headlights with Cornering Lights
Technology Pkg. ($3,150)
200 GB Nav. (w/ 8.8” display, Touchpad, voice command,
and Advanced Real Time Traffic), BMW Online, Enhanced
USB & Bluetooth with Smartphone Integration, Head-up
Display, 20 GB Music Collection, BMW Apps, Remote
Services, instrument cluster with extended contents
Premium Pkg. ($2,300)
Dual-zone automatic climate control, Heat at Rest, heated
front seats, Harman Kardon Logic7 premium audio (450watts with 12 speakers), SiriusXM radio (6 mos. included),
auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming driver’s side
exterior mirror, garage door opener, iPod adapter
Interior Pkg. ($1,500)
*Requires Premium Pkg.
Leather seats, MB-Tex (leatherette) upper dash and door
trim with top-stitching, infrared remote window opening and
closing
Multimedia Pkg. ($2,370)
*Requires Premium Pkg.
80 GB Navigation with 7.0” display, voice control, 10 GB
Music Register, rear-view camera, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD
changer & SD memory card slot, SiriusXM Traffic & Weather
(6 mos.)
Sport Pkg. ($2,200)
Aero kit, chrome diamond-block grille, 18” AMG alloys,
perforated front brakes with painted calipers, aluminum
interior trim
Driver Assistance Pkg. ($2,500)
Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS
(active cruise control with stop & go), Collision Prevention
Assist Plus (Frontal Collision Warning and City Collision
Mitigation)
For use within the BMW organization only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices and packaging subject to change. February 21, 2014
3
2014 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
Competitive Reference Guide
2014 328i Sedan
Options
Sport automatic transmission
Paddle shifters
6-speed manual transmission
M Sport Brakes
Concierge Services
Optional interior trim
Parking Assistant
Active Cruise Control
Rear sunshades
Alarm
Premium audio
Automatic high beams
Aero kit
Sport seats
Sport suspension
18” alloys
Satellite radio
Comfort Access
Hands-free trunk opener
Leather interior
Power moonroof
Lumbar support
Heated front seats
Heated rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Headlight washers
Park Distance Control
Rear-view Camera
Side View Cameras
Top View Cameras
Active Blind Spot Detection
Lane Departure Warning
Frontal Collision Warning
Pedestrian Warning
City Collision Mitigation
Speed Limit Information
Adaptive M Suspension
Variable Sport Steering
Xenon headlights
Adaptive headlights
Cornering Lights
Head-up Display
Navigation
Touchpad
Music Collection
Real Time Traffic Information
BMW Apps
Smartphone Integration
Bluetooth streaming audio
Mobile Office
Message Dictation
My Info (Google Send-to-Car)
BMW Search (Google Search)
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
Remote Door Unlock
My BMW Remote App
$500 (requires Sport Line or M Sport)
Included with Sport automatic transmission
No charge
$650 (requires M Sport & performance tires)
$250 (3 yrs. included; requires Navigation)




Anthracite wood ($0 w/ Luxury Line, Sport Line)
Brushed Aluminum ($0 w/ Sport Line)
High-gloss Black ($0 w/ Sport Line)
Aluminum Hexagon ($0 w/ M Sport)
$500 (requires Driver Assistance Pkg.)
$1,200 (includes Stop & Go)
$575 (power rear / manual rear side windows)
$400
$875 (600 watts with 16 speakers)
$250
M Sport
Sport Line or M Sport
(manual thigh support & power side bolsters)
Sport Line or M Sport
Luxury Line, Sport Line, M Sport
Premium Pkg. (1 yr. included)
Premium Pkg.
Premium Pkg.
Premium Pkg., Luxury Line or $1,450
Premium Pkg. or $1,050
Premium Pkg. (4-way power)
Cold Weather Pkg. or $500
Cold Weather Pkg.
Cold Weather Pkg.
Cold Weather Pkg.
Driver Assistance Pkg.
Driver Assistance Pkg.
Driver Assistance Plus or $750
(requires Driver Assistance Pkg.)
Included with Side View Cameras
Driver Assistance Plus
(steering wheel vibration & mirror warning light)
Driver Assistance Plus
(steering wheel vibration)
Driver Assistance Plus
Driver Assistance Plus
Driver Assistance Plus
Driver Assistance Plus
Dynamic Handling Pkg.
Dynamic Handling Pkg.
Lighting Pkg.
Lighting Pkg.
Lighting Pkg.
Technology Pkg.
Technology Pkg. or $2,150
(200 GB with 8.8” display and Voice Command)
Included with Navigation
Included with Navigation (20 GB)
Included with Navigation
(3 yrs.)
Included with Navigation
(no monthly fee)
Included with Navigation
Included with Navigation
Included with Navigation
Included with Navigation
Included with Nav. (3 yrs. – part of BMW Online)
Included with Nav.
(3 yrs. – part of BMW Online)
Included w/ Nav. (10 yrs. – Remote Services)
Included w/ Nav. (10 yrs. – Remote Services)
Included w/ Nav. (10 yrs. – Remote Services)
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Coupe
NA
S
NA
Sport Pkg.
S (mbrace Plus: 3 mos. free; $20 / mo. thereafter)
(requires $280 / yr. mbrace subscription)
 Burl Walnut wood ($325)
 Black Ash wood ($325)
Included with optional Park Distance Control
Driver Assistance Pkg. (includes Stop & Go)
NA
S
Premium Pkg. (450 watts with 12 speakers)
NA
Sport Pkg.
S
(no manual thigh support; no power side bolsters)
S
Sport Pkg. or $500
Premium Pkg. (6 mos. included)
NA
NA
Interior Pkg.
$1,480 (panoramic)
S (4-way power)
Premium Pkg. or $580
NA
NA
NA
$970 (PARKTRONIC)
Multimedia Pkg.
NA
NA
Driver Assistance Pkg. or $550
(warning sound & mirror warning light)
Driver Assistance Plus
(steering wheel vibration)
Driver Assistance Pkg.
NA
Driver Assistance Pkg.
NA
NA
NA
$850
NA
NA
NA
Multimedia Pkg.
(80 GB with 7.0” display and voice control)
NA
Multimedia Pkg. (10 GB)
Included with Navigation (SiriusXM Traffic)
(6 mos.)
Included with Navigation
(M-B Apps: 3 mos. free; $14 / mo. thereafter)
(requires $280 / yr. mbrace subscription)
Not listed
S
NA
NA
Included w/ Nav. (mbrace: 6 mos. then $280 / yr.)
Included w/ Nav.
(part of M-B Apps: 3 mos., then $14 / mo.)
S (mbrace: 6 mos.; $280 / yr. thereafter)
S (mbrace: 6 mos.; $280 / yr. thereafter)
S (mbrace: 6 mos.; $280 / yr. thereafter)
For use within the BMW organization only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices and packaging subject to change. February 21, 2014
4