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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLS comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 404 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 92,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mercedes GLS?

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes GLS: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
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Mercedes GLS

  • clearly more power
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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 significantly cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 63,305 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.6 L/100km.

GLS

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 Mercedes GLS offers clearly more power – delivering 404 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 104 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Mercedes GLS takes 5.6 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLS delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 350 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.

Seats: Mercedes GLS offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is considerably lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 1,115 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers only slightly more boot space – 380 L compared to 355 L. That’s a difference of about 25 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries clearly more – 820 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 310 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series 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 £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

BMW 1 Series
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BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLS

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)
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Mercedes GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

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Reviews Mercedes GLS

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BMW 1 Series
Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
206 - 226 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
355 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,956 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
810 - 820 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
336 - 404 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
247 - 297 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
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.