Head to head · Coupe
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs BMW 4 Series
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the BMW 4 Series comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, winning 3 of the 4 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | Mercedes-Benz CLA | BMW 4 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £19,800 (2023, 28,500 mi) | £28,500 (2023, 28,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 61% | 64% · wins |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 68 | 73 · wins |
| Average mpg | 40 · wins | 38 |
| Insurance group | 45 | 41 · wins |
| Road tax / year | £200 | £200 |
| Typical annual service | £290 | £290 |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
CLA vs 4 Series — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the CLA or the 4 Series?
The BMW 4 Series scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 73 against the Mercedes-Benz CLA's 68 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the CLA or the 4 Series?
The BMW 4 Series — it keeps about 64% of its original price after three years, against 61% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
How much does a used CLA cost compared with a 4 Series?
A roughly three-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLA is worth about £19,800 at typical mileage, against about £28,500 for the equivalent BMW 4 Series.