BMW 2 Series vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 59% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 2 Series | CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 733 559 | R 958 418 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 821/m | R 16 752/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 417 581 | R 561 199 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 978 | R 397 219 |
| Value after 5 years | R 298 558 | R 407 932 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW 2 Series →
BMW's 2 Series covers the rear-wheel-drive coupe and the front-wheel-drive Gran Coupe in South Africa, with the M2 at the top of the range. The Gran Coupe does most of the volume against the Mercedes CLA. The 2 Series Active Tourer MPV was also sold here from 2015 to around 2021 but never caught on.
Known for: affordable coupe style and the m2
Mercedes-Benz CLA →
A design-focused four-door coupe that slots above the A-Class sedan. It sells to younger buyers who put style ahead of practicality, and the AMG 45 versions have a strong local following. Resale mirrors the A-Class: soft early on, steadier after year three.
Known for: style-led compact four-door coupe
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 2 Series or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
They are close to inseparable: 57% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW 2 Series loses about R 315 978 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses about R 397 219. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BMW 2 Series runs about R 12 821 per month and the Mercedes-Benz CLA about R 16 752, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.