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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLA - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (300 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (28800 £ vs 38800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mercedes GLA?

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW 1 Series has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28800 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10036 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.30 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

GLA

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 GLA has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 421 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 121 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.90 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the BMW 1 Series tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls slightly stronger with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm difference.

1 Series

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, BMW 1 Series is minimal lighter – 1465 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more room – 435 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs a bit better – up to 1430 L, which is about 230 L more than the BMW 1 Series.

When it comes to payload, BMW 1 Series slight takes the win – 510 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 10 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is clearly superior 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.

BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • 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 : 2.9 - 9.5 L
  • Electric Range : 74 km

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
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.

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Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
28800 - 51100 £
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4361 mm
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Height
1459 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
480 - 500 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
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 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, E, F, G
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 shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.