Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine vs BMW 2-series Gran Coupe | Entry-Level Salooney Tunes

This one is going to be hard, perhaps harder given our affection for luxury and SUVs. The wars between the German behemoths have been raging for a long time, and with the pair’s latest and smallest four-door sedans, they appear to have started at the bottom end of the luxury car owners club.

The new A-Class Limousine is Mercedes-Benz’s second aim at an entry-level sedan, and this time it hits closer to the mark with its wow dash design, roomy interior (over the old CLA that it replaces in our market) and smart connectivity options expected of a 2021 generation car. We’re driving the petrol-powered A200 representing the entry point to the range that consists of just one fully loaded trim.

The BMW 2 Gran Coupe on the other hand in most markets is a rival to the Mercedes CLA, which means in this test, it should zoom past the A-Limo in the style and driving contest. The 220i we have here as is the A200 are both petrol-powered 4 cyl saloons mated to 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, albeit in FWD formats – a trade-off for packaging size vs space, efficiency and price.

Both are very alluring to impress a first-time luxury car buyer with interiors borrowed from their larger siblings, large touch-screen entertainment consoles, powered seats and beige-y soft-touch materials all around. Each one has a suite of driver modes and safety features to make it malleable to all talent levels too.

Being a seasoned luxury car driver and a professional, I promise I’ll reach a verdict. Hopefully without resorting to a coin toss!

Verdict

Starting at 37.90 lakhs, the 2 series GC might be the littlest BMW four-door in our market, but the air of plush refinement and build quality makes it feel bigger than you’d expect. Even so, it’s not averse to some sideways fun if you give it a nudge. So if your preference is of pure style with driving dynamics over the practicality of a proper 3 box saloon, then you needn’t look further. As the 2 GC will stand out even in the company of the cheapest 330i sportline.

But if connectivity, interior layout and badge takes priority over driving manners, then the A-Class limousine for many will be perfect. It’s a great feel-good car that’s solid, quiet if you don’t nail it and safe. You also get an 8-year warranty on the engine and transmission, which maybe is Merc’s way to also justify a sticker price of 39.90 lakhs for a sub 1.4-litre petrol engine that may not be the most refined or the most economical. But there’s more affirmation in the fact, that if you buy a Mercedes-Benz, no one will question you.