
There’s a new class of compact luxury sports cars on the market, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and all-new Audi A3 joining the BMW 2-Series.
While the CLA-Class offers a more powerful high-performance option—with a dual-clutch transmission—the rear-drive dynamics of the 2-Series may better suit the enthusiast.
Audi’s A3 and S3 promise similar measures of sport and refinement as the 2-Series, but wrapped in a more techno-modern style that may appeal to some buyers.
Both the CLA-Class and A3 are sedans, however, so the coupe buyer may not care for the extra pair of doors.
Lexus’ IS 250 is also an alternative, though again, it’s a sedan, and it’s significantly less sport-minded than the BMW, especially when the German car is chosen in M235i form.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||
The 2015 BMW 2-Series is a well-rounded luxury sports coupe with looks, handling, features, and speed that belie its entry-level positioning. |
The 2015 Audi A3 and S3 put more pressure on "premium" small sedans, with real prestige in their badges and real potential in their spec sheets. |
The 2015 CLA is a small Mercedes done right, with enough of the brand's style and refinement mixed with a dash of youthfulness. |
The 2015 Porsche Cayman remains a focused 911 alternative, at an easier-to-swallow price. |
MSRP From | |||
$32,100 | $29,900 | $31,500 | $52,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||
20 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded H-6 |
EPA Class | |||
Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Two Seaters |
Style Name | |||
2-Door Coupe 228i RWD | 4-Door Sedan FWD 1.8T Premium | 4-Door Sedan CLA 250 FWD | 2-Door Coupe |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
4 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Coupe | Sedan | Sedan | Coupe |
Transmission | |||
Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2015 BMW 2-Series vs. 2015 Audi A3 | 2015 BMW 2-Series vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | 2015 BMW 2-Series vs. 2015 Porsche Cayman |