What do you think?

Mercedes’ A 200d is priced at Rs 4.09 lakh (ex-showroom) and only one fully loaded variant is available. On the other hand, BMW offers the 220d SportLine trim at Rs 4.12 lakhs, as well as the fully loaded M Sport variant we tested here, at a price of Rs 4.23 lakhs. For those who like gasoline, BMW’s 2.0-liter 220i provides 190 horsepower for the front wheels, while Merc’s smaller 1.3-liter A 200 manages 163 horsepower.

So where do they like to drive and sit? And, the important thing is, which is better-the swoopy BMW 2 Series or the slightly more relaxed and refined Mercedes A-Class?

Front wheel

Since these cars are driven for their owners, let’s drive them directly; first is Mercedes, and things immediately become interesting. On paper, it seems to be at a distinct disadvantage-the engine power is only 150 horsepower, while the 2 series has reduced 40 horsepower. Nevertheless, the performance actually feels energetic, the power transfer is fast, and even when you put your foot down, it even surges forward in a rather ruthless manner, throwing gears at you in rapid succession.

The impressive new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is not only fast when towing, but also intuitive, responding faithfully every time the right foot is bent. Sometimes it does feel a bit too aggressive in sports, and sometimes hesitates at low speeds, but on the other hand, when you downshift, it will also match the speed and provide excellent engine braking when decelerating.

However, the idle speed is a bit rough and you can feel some vibrations in the cabin. The engine runs smoothly once during driving, and it cruises quietly, but only at about 3,500 rpm, after which you can hear the sound of diesel drones in the background.

The BMW 220d has no vibration at all, but it clicks a bit, and as the speed increases, the sound becomes louder. The cabin insulation is not as good as the Merc, and more road and engine noise will be heard. Interestingly, the more powerful BMW diesel engine is not as responsive as the Merc, and the thrust feels very linear, without dynamic mid-range spikes, which to some extent masks the extra horses. Once the power starts to flow, your back will have a good thrust and a rapid rise in speed.

If you start hard from a standstill, you may feel all 190 horses in BMW, but it is not the best way because it will struggle for traction and spin up the front wheels. Mercedes has cleaner power. Although BMW’s 8-speed torque converter is smoother and moves relatively fast, it is not as fast as the Merc, which allows you to reach for the oars more frequently.

The bigger surprise is that these feelings are converted into performance charts, which are quite matched compared with our test equipment. Although the power to torque-to-weight ratio of the A-class car is significantly reduced, 95.5 horsepower per ton and 203.8 Nm per ton, respectively, while BMW’s 119.4 horsepower per ton and 251.4 Nm per ton. In the rally, the 2 Series 100kph is only 0.27 seconds faster. Only at higher three-digit speeds can BMW’s power advantage really come into play. At 180kph, the gap increases to 3.20 seconds. Accelerated by gears, from 20-80kph and 40-100kph, showed similar results. BMW was faster by 0.29 seconds and 0.52 seconds, respectively.

Corners and straight lines

BMW’s first front-wheel drive sedan is based on the UKL2 platform shared with the group company Mini. Therefore, the 2 series feels interesting from behind the steering wheel, with significantly enhanced grip and sharper feel at corners. Even the steering is more direct and has a good weight. However, the heavier steering means that it is not as light and easy to drive at low speeds as the Merc, and because it has a stiffer suspension, low-profile tires and larger 18-inch wheels, it is not that luxurious. In fact, on poor roads, you will feel more roads, and the 2 Series also has a tendency to skid.

The A-Class drives like a more expensive car and has a better absorptive ride quality.

Thanks to Merc’s new MFA2 platform, A-Class drives more confidently. The straight-line stability is very good, the speed feels as safe as some of Merc’s large cars, and the chassis even feels quite agile. However, it is not particularly attractive. Due to its inert steering, it rolls a bit in the corners and does not have BMW’s limpet grip.

Instead, comfort is one of the advantages of the A-class luxury sedan, thanks in part to the well-set suspension, it always feels absorbent, and no unnecessary movements or road shocks seep into the cabin.

Exquisite luxury

Merc’s low seat could have been more comfortable, but there is plenty of space.

The cabin of the A-class car is hard not to be impressed. The elegant blend of wood, shiny black and matte silver, coupled with ambient lighting, performs well, and the turbo-inspired rotating vent and metal climate control switch give a very high quality. Your eyes are often attracted by the two 10.25-inch screens; the single-layer design is executed so seamlessly, and this alone enhances the attractiveness of the cabin. The front seats are wide, provide plenty of adjustment, and because the wheelbase is 59 mm longer than BMW, there is more space in the rear.

In contrast, the 395-liter suitcase is smaller and the loading area is narrower.

In fact, with so much headroom and legroom, even a six-foot-tall person can sit here without any distortion. However, comfort could have been better because the lower seat position caused the knees to rise.

BMW lacks complete space, it makes up for the comfort of the seat to a certain extent.

BMW’s chic frameless windows make a deep impression, adding a sense of occasion every time the door is opened. The interior design is simple, similar to other BMW models, and the quality and finish are also very good. Although there is nothing to fault, BMW’s sports cabin is not as high-end as Merc’s obvious luxury cabin. However, BMW’s M Sport front seats are more comfortable and have adjustable side supports that can hold you in place when you attack corners; and the steering feels more grippy. Stepping into the rear seats, although the bench itself has better cushioning effect, stronger support, and higher position, the space here is very precious. Headroom is narrow and knee room is limited. The only thing that is desirable is that the larger sunroof extends farther than the sunroof of the A-class car, so it fills the rear of the cabin with light.

With 430 liters, the cargo capacity is larger and the loading area is also larger.

Technology and toys

The high-quality, elegant interior is as luxurious as the more expensive Mercs.

Both cars offer features such as automatic LED headlights, ambient lighting, wireless charging, electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory, digital instrument panel, touch screen with control panel, dual-zone climate control, and sunroof Wait for the kit. The more expensive BMW goes one step further, with larger 18-inch wheels, gesture control for the infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and frameless windows similar to a coupe. The uniqueness of Mercedes is the front seat dynamics (gentle automatic adjustment to prevent discomfort during prolonged driving), passenger seat memory, SIM-based connectivity and active brake assist system, which can be detected The brake is automatically applied in the event of an impending collision below 55 km/h.

Although the quality, fit and finish are top-notch, the BMW cabin is not that special.

Winner takes all

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is a better driver’s car. The performance is slightly stronger, it likes to drive at high speed, the harder you push, the better the feeling behind the steering wheel. The front seats are comfortable and well equipped. However, the interior feel of the BMW stroller is not very special. The ride is a bit stiff and bumpy. It is not as refined as the Merc, and the rear space is smaller.

Mercedes is not as energetic and confident in driving as BMW, but what the A-class luxury sedan does, and easily, beats BMW in all other important indicators. The interior is more upscale and refined, the rear space is larger, the responsive engine and gearbox work well together, it rides like a large Merc, and the light steering and control make driving in the city a breeze. As a bag, A-Class is easy to give people a more powerful and rounder impression. In short, this is why it won.

verdict
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 40.9 million	Rs 42.3 million
verdict	More complex and comprehensive packaging.	More attractive driving, but insufficient in some other areas.
score	8/10 [Our Choice]	7/10