Are you shopping around Costa Mesa and Irvine for a performance car with luxuries in spades? Chances are you’ve crossed paths with a Mercedes-AMG® or BMW M—or both! But which high-performance line delivers categorical power and luxury for a reasonable price-tag? To answer that question, we’ve compared Mercedes-AMG® vs. BMW M at the base and range- topping levels. Check out our findings below!
| 2018 Mercedes-AMG® | VS | 2018 BMW M |
|---|---|---|
| $50,400 (AMG® CLA 45) | Starting MSRP | $54,500 (BMW M2) |
| 375-hp AMG® 2.0L inline-4 turbo | Base-Level Engine | 365-hp 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder |
| 621-hp AMG® 6.0L biturbo V12 | Top-Tier Engine | 560-hp 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8 |
| Available | 9-Speed Automatic Transmission | Not Offered |
| Available | 12.3-Inch Display w/ Touchpad Controller | Not Offered |
| Available | 64-Color Ambient Interior Lighting | Not Offered |
Two of the most cost-effective models in these lineups are the AMG® CLA 45 ($50,400 starting MSRP) and the BMW M2 ($54,500 starting MSRP). Despite its higher price-tag, the BMW M2 lags behind with a 365-hp 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder. Equipped with a 2.0L turbo inline-4, the AMG® CLA 45 pulls ahead with 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque on tap. What’s more, the AMG® CLA 45 gets a smooth-shifting 7-speed AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® dual-clutch transmission, while the BMW M2 gets a standard 6-speed manual.
Presiding at the top of the BMW M line is the M6 Gran Coupe ($119,800 starting MSRP); it’s powered by a 560-hp 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8 rated at 500 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 7-speed M Double Clutch, it reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds. The AMG® E 63 S Sedan ($104,400 starting MSRP) has no problem beating those numbers; it gets a 603-hp AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo rated at 627 lb-ft of torque. It’s faster, too. With its AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed, it glides to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
But here’s what’s exciting: that’s not even the full scope of the AMG® line’s power. Select models, such as the AMG® S 65, get an even stronger AMG® 6.0L biturbo V12 engine that summons up to 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. You won’t find that under the hood of any BMW M!
On the whole, Mercedes-AMG® is largely more cost-effective than BMW M, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the luxury features Laguna Beach drivers want. Take the AMG® E 63 S for example. Although less expensive, it offers features not found on the M6 Gran Coupe, such as:
All in all, Mercedes-AMG® is a more powerful and luxurious option than BMW M at the entry-level and range-topping levels. Compare models like the AMG® E 63 S vs. BMW M6 in more depth. Not necessarily looking for a sports car? Compare Mercedes-Benz vs. Lexus models! When you’re ready, schedule a test drive near Huntington Beach. We at Fletcher Jones Motorcars Newport Beach can’t wait to show you all AMG® offers!
