BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW i4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 340 | 218 | +56.0% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 430 | 450 | -4.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Plug-in Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $77,544 | $46,224 | +67.8% |
- BMW i4 makes about 56% more power (340 vs 218 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Plug-in Hybrid), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: i4 or CLA Shooting Brake?
BMW i4 advantages
- Engine power (+36%)
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake advantages
- Pulling torque (+4%)
- Affordability (+40%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: which should you choose?
BMW i4 (2026 i4 eDrive40 M Sport) — electric sedan with 340 hp and 430 Nm, rated at 16.1 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $77,544 in the EU market.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (2021 CLA 250e) — plug-in hybrid station wagon with 218 hp and 450 Nm, rated at 76.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $46,224 in the Germany market.
BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: BMW i4 is more powerful. BMW i4 makes about 56% more power (340 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Plug-in Hybrid), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The BMW i4 is the more powerful, at 340 hp against 218 hp, with 430 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Electric vs Plug-in Hybrid), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
BMW i4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake lists lower at about $46,224 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i4 better than the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW i4 makes about 56% more power (340 vs 218 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW i4 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?
BMW i4 makes about 56% more power (340 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Plug-in Hybrid), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.