Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2-Series: Which Car Does Entry-level Luxury Better?

About to take your first step into the world of luxury cars? If so, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe are two great options that offer striking design, potent performance, and oodles of luxury at an affordable price point. But, if you thought picking one of the two would be easier, think again. That’s because, despite their entry-level positioning, neither car dilutes its brand’s ethos in the pursuit of an affordable price tag. So, which car offers a better entry-level luxury experience between the two? Read on as we compare the Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe over a variety of factors.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Dimensions

While the word ‘compact’ is used as a descriptor for the A-Class and the 2 Series, it’s purely in the context of luxury cars as both are as long as mid-size sedans such as the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, VW Virtus, etc. The A-Class is slightly longer than the 2 Series, by 23 mm to be precise. But it’s also 4 mm shorter than the BMW. Neither factoid can be hailed as an advantage for either car.

However, the difference is more pronounced when it comes to height and wheelbase, with the A-Class pipping the 2 Series by 26 mm and a whopping 59 mm, respectively. In the real world, that should translate to better headroom and legroom for the Mercedes, leading to greater overall seating comfort. 

The A-Class’s height advantage is further magnified by its higher 160 mm (152 mm, for the 2 Series) ground clearance, which coupled with the additional height, should make for easier ingress and egress. This is an important factor when you consider these are low-slung, coupe cars. 

But the BMW 2 Series pulls one back with a larger 430-litre boot space. It also offers a wider loading area compared to the A-Class and even more importantly, allows you to expand the storage with its 40:20:40 rear split seat. The A-Class misses out on the latter, leaving you with a non-expandable 395-litre boot space with a narrow loading bay.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Engine & Transmission

The main reason why the A-Class and the 2 Series are so popular in the entry-level luxury car market is they offer a petrol as well as a diesel engine, unlike the other offering in this segment, i.e. Audi A4. The A-Class A200 is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol that produces 165 PS and 250 Nm while the A200d’s diesel is good for 152 PS and 320 Nm, mated to 7- and 8-speed DCT transmissions, respectively.

The 2 Series’s engines are notably more powerful as the 220i puts out 178 PS and 280 Nm while the 220d diesel churns out 193 PS and 400 Nm, again paired with 7- and 8-speed Steptronic transmissions, respectively. The Beemer’s output advantage reflects in the performance figures as it’s a second quicker than the A-Class to 100 kmph from standstill. However, the top speeds for both cars are in the same ballpark. What isn’t though is the fuel efficiency as the petrol and diesel variants of the A-Class comfortably eclipse their 2 Series counterparts by almost 3 kmpl. 

In terms of driving dynamics, the BMW is the better driver’s car with its sharp steering, stiff suspension, and low-profile tyres making for an enjoyable corner carving experience. The Mercedes though is more comfortable as its suspension and steering are geared towards a stable and pliant ride, rather than outright agility.  

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Features & Comfort

The features lists of the A-Class and the 2 Series are nearly identical with both cars getting all the essentials in place, right down to large, high-resolution infotainment displays. However, the 2 Series scores two important wins. As mentioned previously, it’s the only one here to offer a rear split seat, even if the split is along a rather unusual 40:20:40 ratio. The 220i M Sport Pro variant of the 2 Series also gets a 10-speaker hifi sound system with an output of 205W, as opposed to the normal 6-speaker unit in the A-Class.

Does that mean the 2 Series bags this one? Far from it, actually. That’s because not only is the A-Class’s cabin larger but is also appointed in a far more premium and luxurious way than the 2 Series’s. Its leather upholstery, classy wood-infused dashboard, twin 10-25-inch displays, large adjustable seats, and roomier cabin offer a more welcoming space than the BMW. 

In itself, the BMW 2 Series’s interior is fantastic and even has a seemingly larger sunroof that lets a greater amount of light into the cabin. However, if you’re looking to be pampered, the Mercedes A-Class is easier to recommend.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Safety Features

If the feature and comfort list for the two coupes was near identical, the safety feature list is actually identical, save for the A-Class’s additional airbag. While both cars have undergone Euro NCAP tests, they’re yet to be put through the paces by Global NCAP. 

However, neither car skimps out on essential safety features, including ADAS. In the A-Class, the ADAS package includes Mercedes’s Active Brake Assist, which flashes visual and aural warnings in case of an impending collision. If there’s inadequate or no response from the driver, the feature offers braking assistance as required by the situation. The A-Class’s ADAS suite also includes Active Bonnet that automatically raises the bonnet’s rear edge during an accident, thus creating a virtual cushion between the bonnet and the engine to minimise the risk of injury to a pedestrian.

In addition to Active Bonnet, the 2 Series’s ADAS package includes continuous driver behaviour monitoring once the car breaches 70 kmph. The system looks out for abrupt, erroneous driving signs and flashes a visual warning on the dashboard advising the driver to take a break. That apart, the 2 Series also comes shod with run-flat tyres with reinforced side walls.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Price Comparison

The even battle that the A-Class and the 2 Series have fought till now extends to the pricing department as well. While their overall price range is too narrow to justify a base, mid, and top split, the entry-level A-Class A200 and 2 Series 220i M Sport are priced at Rs 42 lakh and Rs 41.5 lakh, respectively. 

For a couple of lakh over the M Sport, you can get the M Sport Pro which comes with the same petrol engine but with a sportier 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that offers paddle shifts, launch control, and shift-by-wire gear selector. It also gets a head-up display, BMW Gesture Control, 10-speaker hifi sound system, and some signature ‘M’ line interior flourishes on the dash, floor, steering wheel, and gearshift knob. 

On the other hand, the A-Class’s A200d variant is priced at Rs 44 lakh versus the 2 Series 220d’s Rs 44.50 lakh. The BMW’s slightly higher pricing buys you more dynamic ability and quicker performance while the A-Class is the more fuel-efficient of the duo with more sedate dynamics and performance. 

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs BMW 2 Series: Summary

Now that we’ve come to the end of this comparison, it’s clear that choosing one among these two cars has more to do with you than the cars themselves. Confused? Well, allow us to explain. Without a doubt, the 2 Series is the sportier of the two cars here. BMW has also kitted it out decently in terms of equipment, features, and comfort. 

The A-Class, however, has the mannerisms and space that will suit a wider set of people than the 2 Series. Where the Mercedes fails to match the BMW in terms of pure performance, it more than makes up by delivering higher fuel efficiency, vastly better and comfortable interiors, and more practical dynamic ability.