Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs BMW M3
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake | BMW M3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 218 | 510 | -57.3% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 450 | 650 | -30.8% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 76.9 | 9.9 | +676.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $46,224 | $108,324 | -57.3% |
- BMW M3 makes about 57% more power (510 vs 218 hp).
- Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 9.9.
Verdict: CLA Shooting Brake or M3?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake advantages
- Fuel economy (+87%)
- Affordability (+57%)
BMW M3 advantages
- Engine power (+57%)
- Pulling torque (+31%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the BMW M3 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 M3: 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 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 vs BMW M3: BMW M3 is more powerful. BMW M3 makes about 57% 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
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and BMW M3 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 M3?
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 57% more power (510 vs 218 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and the BMW M3?
BMW M3 makes about 57% 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter. Choose the BMW M3 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.