2026 head-to-head · Compact Car
2026 BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV
MPG, range and what each one really costs you to fuel, from official EPA ratings and recalculated with your own gas and electricity prices.
On fuel costs these two are nearly tied. Driving 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity, the most efficient 2026 BMW i4 (118 MPGe) costs about $769 a year to fuel and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV (126 MPGe) about $729.
Your numbers
Change these to match your driving and local prices. Every figure and chart on this page updates.
Fuel cost over 10 years
- BMW i4
- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV
Side by side
| BMW i4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV | |
|---|---|---|
| $769 | Your annual fuel cost | $729 |
| 118 MPGe | Combined efficiency | 126 MPGe |
| 121 MPGe | City | 127 MPGe |
| 115 MPGe | Highway | 124 MPGe |
| 28.5 kWh | Electricity use (kWh/100 mi) | 27 kWh |
| 333 mi | Driving range | 374 mi |
| 90 cu ft | Passenger volume | 91 cu ft |
| 10 cu ft | Cargo volume | 12 cu ft |
| 0 g/mi | Tailpipe CO₂ (g/mi) | 0 g/mi |
| 9/10 | EPA fuel economy score | 10/10 |
| 10/10 | EPA greenhouse gas score | 10/10 |
| 9 hrs | Charge time at 240V | 8.8 hrs |
| Electric | Powertrain | Electric |
| Electricity | Fuel | Electricity |
| Electric motor (250 kW) | Engine / motor | Electric motor (200 kW) |
| Single-speed | Transmission | Single-speed |
| RWD | Drivetrain | RWD |
✓ marks the better value. EPA scores run 1–10 (10 is best). Volumes come from the EPA interior volume index and aren't published for every body style.
BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV across model years
- BMW i4
- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV
Annual fuel cost of the most efficient configuration of each model year, at your prices. Click a point to open that year.
How they differ
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV goes farther between stops: about 374 miles on a charge, compared with 333 miles for the BMW i4.
Per EPA interior volume figures, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV has more cargo space (12 vs. 10 cu ft).
Among 21 2026 compact cars, the BMW i4 ranks 2nd and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV 1st for lowest fuel cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 2026 BMW i4 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV?
Measured by cost to drive, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV. The BMW i4 is rated 118 MPGe combined and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV 126 MPGe (EPA, most efficient configuration of each).
How much does it cost to fuel the 2026 BMW i4 vs. the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV per year?
At 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity, about $769 for the BMW i4 and $729 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV.
Which has more range?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV: about 374 miles versus 333 miles.
Which has more cargo space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV, with 12 cu ft of luggage volume versus 10 cu ft (EPA interior volume index).
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