Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs BMW i4
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake | BMW i4 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 218 | 340 | -35.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 450 | 430 | +4.7% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Plug-in Hybrid | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $46,224 | $77,544 | -40.4% |
- BMW i4 makes about 36% more power (340 vs 218 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), 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 (Germany and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: CLA Shooting Brake or i4?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake advantages
- Pulling torque (+4%)
- Affordability (+40%)
BMW i4 advantages
- Engine power (+36%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you want the lower upfront cost.
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.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs BMW i4: which should you choose?
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 (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 vs BMW i4: BMW i4 is more powerful. BMW i4 makes about 36% more power (340 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), 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 (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and BMW i4 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake better than the BMW i4?
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 36% more power (340 vs 218 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and the BMW i4?
BMW i4 makes about 36% more power (340 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads. Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
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.