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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mercedes GLA?

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • barely lighter
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BMW 1 Series is visibly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,036 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

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 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 GLA is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

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

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 terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is barely lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers somewhat more boot space – 435 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries only slightly more – 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 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, 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/100km
  • Electric Range : 74 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
BMW 1 Series
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BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLA

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.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mercedes GLA

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.

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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Mercedes GLA
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BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 51,900 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4,361 mm
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, 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 - 226 km/h
Max Speed
-
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
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, 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.

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.