BMW recently launched the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe in India, which at Rs 46.90 lakh (ex-showroom), is currently the most affordable model the German carmaker offers in our country. It is positioned to directly rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In fact, these two are the only models that currently make up entry-level luxury sedan segment. So, let’s take a closer look at which of these two German sedans stand out on paper in terms od size, specs, features and price.
BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: dimensions
Both sedans are nearly the same size
| BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes A-Class | ||
| Length | 4546mm | 4558mm | |
| Width | 1800mm | 1796mm | |
| Height | 1445mm | 1429mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2670mm | 2729mm | |
| Boot Space | 430 litre | 395-405 litres | |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm | 127mm | |
| Tyre size | 225/45 R18 | 205/55 R17 | |
As you can see in the table above, both sedans are nearly the same size, with a few mm here and there of each other in terms of length, width, and height. But it’s the Mercedes which has a slightly longer wheelbase by 59mm. And that also translates to better interior space for the rear passengers, something that isn’t particularly a strength of the BMW.
The 2 Series, however, does claw back some ground with a larger boot and much better ground clearance which will surely be a boon on our pothole-ridden roads. It also gets larger rims and wider tyres, lending it a slightly greater visual appeal.
BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: powertrain and specs
Mercedes A-Class offers an additional powertrain
| BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: powertrain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes A-Class | ||
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol/Diesel | |
| Engine | 3 cyls, turbo-petrol | 4 cyls, turbo-petrol/4 cyls, turbo-diesel | |
| Displacement | 1499cc | 1332cc/1950cc | |
| Power | 156hp | 163hp/150hp | |
| Torque | 230Nm | 270Nm/320Nm | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT/8-speed DCT | |
| Drive layout | FWD | FWD/FWD | |
| 0-100kph (claimed) | 8.6sec | 8.3sec/8.4sec | |
| Top-speed (claimed) | 230kph | 230kph/227kph | |
On the powertrain front, the Mercedes A-Class clearly edges ahead of the BMW 2 Series. Yes, the A-Class gets a slightly smaller engine than the 2 Series, but it has one additional cylinder, and 7hp and 30Nm more than the latter. That also translates to a 0.3 second quicker sprint to 100kph. The front-wheel drive configuration, 7-speed DCT gearbox and a claimed top-speed of 230kph are common to both sedans.
Where the Mercedes has an added advantage is that it offers a diesel engine, something the BMW entirely misses out on. And as we have noted in our Mercedes A-Class road test review, this 2.0-litre diesel is a strong performer, better than even the petrol, thanks to its healthy torque figure. The pre-facelift 2 Series did get a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but that’s not been made available with the latest model, at least for now.
BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: features
2 Series has more features in its higher trim
| BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: features | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes A-Class | |
| Touchscreen | 10.7-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Digital driver’s display | 10.24-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Climate control | Dual-zone auto | Dual-zone auto |
| Ventilated front seats | No | No |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Wireless | Wireless |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle shifters | Yes | Yes |
| Front seat adjust | Powered | Powered |
| On-board navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient lighting | Yes | 64-colour |
| AI assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Active Park assist | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS features | Yes | No |
| Cameras | Rear | Rear |
| Airbags | 6 | 7 |
The 2 Series is available in two trims – M Sport and M Sport Pro – while the A-Class is available in a single fully-loaded trim. As you can see in the table above, both sedans are very well-equipped in their base configuration, although the BMW goes one up on the higher M Sport Pro trim with features like augmented view in the touchscreen, head-up display and 360-degree camera.
Also, as standard, the 2 Series gets a comprehensive safety assist system, while the A-Class only gets an active brake assist. Front seat ventilation, however, is a miss on both sedans.
BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: price
| BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes A-Class price | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes A-Class | |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 46.90 lakh-48.90 lakh | Rs 46.05 lakh (P), Rs 48.55 lakh (D) |
Finally, coming to their price, both sedans are again very closely matched, with the Mercedes being the slightly more affordable one. The A-Class is the more spacious one and has better powertrain options, while the BMW offers some additional features. On paper, the Mercedes A-Class seems better value, but stay tuned for a thorough comparison on between both entry-level luxury sedans.
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