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 from the German carmaker. It is positioned to directly rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In fact, these two are the only models that currently make up the 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 of 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 within a few millimetres of each other in terms of length, width and height. But the Mercedes' wheelbase is 59mm longer. And that also translates to better interior space for rear passengers, something that isn’t particularly a strength of the BMW.
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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 makes 7hp and 30Nm more. 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.
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The Mercedes has an added advantage as it offers a diesel engine. 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 has leg up on the M Sport Pro trim, with features like augmented view in the touchscreen, a heads-up display and a 360-degree camera.
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The 2 Series also gets a comprehensive safety assist system as standard, 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 slightly more affordable. The A-Class is more spacious 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 between both entry-level luxury sedans.
