Luxury sedans were once reserved for upper-class buyers, but with demand now rising for luxurious cars in the low-$30,000 range, both BMW and Mercedes have begun releasing less expensive four-door cars.
For Mercedes-Benz, this low-priced sedan is the CLA250, a four-door coupe that debuted to massive fanfare. BMW has the 320i, which is a more traditionally styled sedan that lowered the cost of entry to Bavarian performance.
Both models have their own distinct personalities. The front-wheel drive CLA250 offers a sporty look and a low starting price, while the 320i delivers traditional rear-wheel drive and more sedan-style roominess. But which of these new budget-friendly luxury sedans is the better buy?
See a side-by-side comparison of the 320 & CLA250 »
What the CLA250 Gets Right
The CLA250 starts with a nice pricing advantage, as it checks in at only $31,500, undercutting the 320i by $1,450. Under the hood, the CLA250 wins the power war too, thanks to its 208-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Additionally, its 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway in its standard setup, and 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system beat out the 320i.
The CLA250 also wins in terms of design, as some buyers may prefer its sleek coupe-like profile that also provides easy access to the rear seats thanks to its four doors. Additionally, the CLA250 comes standard with a 12-way power driver’s seat, sports front seats, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
See more luxury sedan comparisons here »
What the 320i Gets Right
Though the 320i is way down on power, it is only slightly slower than the CLA250 (0.2 seconds slower to 60 mph) and its rear-wheel-drive setup delivers a visceral driving experience. Additionally, the 320i’s more tradition sedan look gives it an advantage in terms of cabin room. The rear seats are particularly roomier, as they offer 8 inches more rear legroom, 2.3 inches more headroom, and 1.9 inches more shoulder room.
The 320i also has some extra goodies like a nine-speaker audio system and brake energy regeneration. Additionally, the 320i has a superior ride quality to the more sports-tuned CLA250.
Who Buys the CLA250?
The CLA250 is closely matched to the 320i, and it definitely has a place in the market. The CLA250 is best suited for childless young adults and middle-aged folks due to its cramped rear seat and somewhat rough suspension. For these buyers, the CLA250 is a great buy, but for most luxury-car buyers, it simply cannot hold up to the Bimmer.
Verdict: BMW 320i
Though the BMW 320i has fewer few features, is slightly slower, and is a little more expensive than the CLA250, its ride quality and family friendly rear seat make it a better all-around luxury sedan.
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