@ BMW Group Press
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLA – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether BMW 1 Series or Mercedes GLA fits your lifestyle better.

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

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 @ 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, 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 comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLA shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,800
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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
details

BMW 1 Series

5 (1)
rate

The BMW 1 Series stands out with its dynamic design that embodies both elegance and sportiness, making it an attractive choice for urban driving. Its interior offers a premium feel, combining quality materials with the latest in technological features to enhance comfort and connect drivers. Under the bonnet, a range of efficient engines ensures a responsive and enjoyable driving experience, balancing power with practicality.

details
P90460899_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460903_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460910_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460951_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460954_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press

Mercedes GLA

5 (1)
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
20C0047_067 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_071 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_104 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_115 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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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

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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.