Compare performance (207 HP vs 320 HP), boot space and price (20,000 £ vs 32,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A1 or Mercedes A Class Saloon?
In the world of compact cars, where city maneuverability meets sophistication, two giants stand tall: the new Audi A1 and the Mercedes A-Klasse Limousine. Both models offer cutting-edge technology, high-end design, and innovative engineering, aimed at captivating the urban driver. Let's dive into the details and see how these two compare on the road.
The Audi A1, with its sporty hatchback stance, presents a bold look in a more compact form. Measuring 4046 mm in length and 1756 mm in width, it strikes a balance between sleek urban aesthetics and functional design. Meanwhile, the Mercedes A-Klasse Limousine exhibits its distinguished sedan silhouette, standing at a longer 4558 mm and a width of 1796 mm, offering a more elongated and elegant appearance.
Both vehicles sport roomy interiors despite Audi's slightly smaller dimensions. The A1 offers a trunk capacity of 335 L, while the A-Klasse provides a bit more space with 395 L, catering to those longer journeys requiring additional luggage.
The Audi A1 provides an engaging drive with a range of petrol engines, offering between 95 HP and 207 HP. The model couples its power with nimble handling, courtesy of a choice between manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, all deploying the torque on front-wheel drive. For those eager for an athletic drive, the most powerful engine rockets the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
On the other hand, the A-Klasse Limousine delivers an impressive choice of engine types including diesel, mild-hybrid petrol, and plug-in hybrid variants, generating between 116 HP and a staggering 320 HP. With the option of all-wheel drive, drivers can enjoy enhanced grip and stability, particularly in its plug-in hybrid version that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
For those conscious of fuel consumption, the Audi A1 demonstrates efficiency with a consumption ranging around 5.3 to 6.5 L/100km depending on the configuration. Its CO2 emissions fall within the D to E efficiency classes, aligning with its modest footprint.
Meanwhile, the A-Klasse Limousine offers a greener footprint with its plug-in hybrid model achieving a remarkable 0.7 L/100km and CO2 emissions as low as 16 g/km, qualifying it for a B efficiency class. Additionally, the battery capacity allows for an electric-only range of up to 88 km, ideal for city-centric commutes.
The Audi A1 integrates the latest in infotainment and driver assistance systems, providing both a tech-savvy and safe experience. Its virtual cockpit and MMI Touch Interface connect seamlessly with consumer lifestyle technologies.
Conversely, the Mercedes A-Klasse Limousine shines with its MBUX User Experience, recognized for its intuitive operation and intelligent voice control. Augmented reality navigation and driver assistance systems work hand in hand to not only keep drivers informed but also enhance overall driving safety.
The decision between the Audi A1 and the Mercedes A-Klasse Limousine ultimately boils down to individual preference. The Audi A1 appears ideal for tech enthusiasts seeking a compact, sporty hatchback experience packed with performance. Meanwhile, the Mercedes A-Klasse Limousine offers an edge of sophistication and eco-friendly technology, perfect for those who value luxury and future-forward commuting. Both contenders excel in their unique realms, ensuring that whichever you choose, satisfaction is at the journey's end.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Audi A1 is considerably cheaper – starting at 20,000 £ , while the Mercedes A Class Saloon costs 32,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,750 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class Saloon uses 0.7 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 4.5 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes A Class Saloon offers visibly more power – delivering 320 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 113 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class Saloon is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.8 s, while the Audi A1 takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes A Class Saloon delivers markedly more torque with 450 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 130 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Audi A1 is noticeably lighter – 1,175 kg compared to 1,450 kg. The difference is around 275 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes A Class Saloon offers moderately more boot space – 395 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 60 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes A Class Saloon carries barely more – 490 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.
The Mercedes A Class Saloon is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.
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The Mercedes A‑Class Saloon blends compact practicality with premium flair, wrapping a surprisingly spacious interior in a slick, modern package that feels more grown-up than its hatchback sibling. It’s an ideal choice for city drivers who want Mercedes polish and cutting-edge tech without the ostentation of a larger saloon, and it even manages to make the daily commute feel a little bit special.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
20,000 - 28,800 £
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Price
32,700 - 55,900 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
0.7 - 8.1 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
88 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
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co2
118 - 146 g/km
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co2
16 - 184 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Sedan
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
4
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Curb weight
1,175 - 1,365 kg
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Curb weight
1,450 - 1,705 kg
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Trunk capacity
335 L
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Trunk capacity
345 - 395 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,558 - 4,570 mm
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Width
1,740 - 1,756 mm
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Width
1,796 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,413 - 1,429 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
410 - 470 kg
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Payload
475 - 490 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
95 - 207 HP
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Power HP
116 - 320 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9.9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
206 - 250 km/h
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Torque
175 - 320 Nm
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Torque
200 - 450 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
70 - 152 kW
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Power kW
85 - 235 kW
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Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, G, E
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España