BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 510 | 218 | +133.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 650 | 450 | +44.4% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 9.9 | 76.9 | -87.1% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Plug-in Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $108,324 | $46,224 | +134.3% |
- BMW M3 makes about 134% more power (510 vs 218 hp).
- Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 9.9.
Verdict: M3 or CLA Shooting Brake?
BMW M3 advantages
- Engine power (+57%)
- Pulling torque (+31%)
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake advantages
- Fuel economy (+87%)
- Affordability (+57%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the BMW M3 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 M3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: which should you choose?
BMW M3 (2024 Competition xDrive) — petrol sedan with 510 hp and 650 Nm, rated at 9.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $108,324 in the Germany 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 M3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: BMW M3 is more powerful. BMW M3 makes about 134% more power (510 vs 218 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 9.9.
Performance
The BMW M3 is the more powerful, at 510 hp against 218 hp, with 650 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is more economical at 76.9 km/L against 9.9 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
BMW M3 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 M3 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 M3 makes about 134% more power (510 vs 218 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?
BMW M3 makes about 134% more power (510 vs 218 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 9.9.
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 M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
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.