VS

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A Class comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 32,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A Class?

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A Class: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • barely more trunk space

Mercedes A Class

  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mercedes A Class costs 32,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,768 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class uses 2.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2 L/100km.

A Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes A Class offers clearly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 121 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the BMW 1 Series is only slightly faster – reaching 250 km/h, while the Mercedes A Class tops out at 225 km/h. The difference is around 25 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes A Class delivers moderately more torque with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes A Class is only slightly lighter – 1,440 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 25 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers barely more boot space – 380 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BMW 1 Series offers barely more capacity – up to 1,200 L, about 75 L more than the Mercedes A Class.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries marginally more – 510 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class is far ahead overall 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.

from £32,600
A Class

Mercedes A Class

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 85 km
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes A Class

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

details

Mercedes A Class

The Mercedes A‑Class arrives as a compact charmer that dresses premium materials and a cockpit full of screens in a tidy, city-friendly package, delivering surprising agility and poise. For buyers who want a luxury badge, clever tech and a car that's equally happy in tight streets or on a spirited country run, the A‑Class offers a grown-up feel with a cheeky streak.

details
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes A Class

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,800 - 51,100 £
Price
32,600 - 66,500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
85 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
53 - 205 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,440 - 1,695 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Length
4,361 mm
Length
4,428 mm
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,796 - 1,850 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Height
1,423 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,135 - 1,200 L
Max trunk capacity
1,125 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
450 - 485 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
225 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
200 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.