@ BMW Group Press
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes B Class – Differences & prices compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: BMW 1 Series or Mercedes B Class?

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

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BMW 1 Series has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28800 £, while the Mercedes B Class costs 33100 £. That’s a price difference of around 4329 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes B Class manages with 2.50 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.30 L. The difference is about 1.80 L per 100 km.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine and Performance:

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 BMW 1 Series has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 300 HP compared to 238 HP. That’s roughly 62 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 4.90 s, while the Mercedes B Class takes 6.50 s. That’s about 1.60 s faster.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes B Class pulls to a small extent stronger with 450 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm difference.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Mercedes B Class is slight lighter – 1405 kg compared to 1465 kg. The difference is around 60 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes B Class offers a bit more room – 455 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes B Class performs distinct better – up to 1540 L, which is about 340 L more than the BMW 1 Series.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes B Class barely noticeable takes the win – 550 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes B Class proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes B Class is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £33,100
B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes B Class

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 238 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 6.9 L
  • Electric Range : 83 km

BMW 1 Series

5 (1)
rate

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 B Class

5 (3)
rate

The Mercedes B-Class is a smart, grown-up compact people carrier that dresses everyday practicality in a near‑premium polish, perfect for buyers who want comfort and a classy badge without the theatrics. It won’t set your pulse racing on a back road, but it will make school runs, commutes and grocery hauls feel pleasantly civilized — a reliable, slightly posh companion for real life.

details
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes B Class
1 Series @ BMW Group Press
B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
28800 - 51100 £
Price
33100 - 52500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 6.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
83 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
56 - 156 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
MPV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Curb weight
1405 - 1745 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
405 - 455 L
Length
4361 mm
Length
4419 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1796 mm
Height
1459 mm
Height
1562 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1440 - 1540 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
505 - 550 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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 - 238 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
200 - 250 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
200 - 450 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 175 kW
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, F
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.