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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mercedes SL Class?

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • visibly lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
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Mercedes SL Class

  • considerably more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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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 considerably cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 83,347 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 4.7 L/100km.

SL Class

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 SL Class offers considerably more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 516 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers substantially more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 1,020 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: BMW 1 Series offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is visibly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 345 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers noticeably more boot space – 380 L compared to 240 L. That’s a difference of about 140 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries clearly more – 510 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 135 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is decisively ahead 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
BMW 2 Series
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BMW 1 Series
Mercedes SL Class

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 SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

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Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 1 Series
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Audi Q2
BMW 1 Series
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In the competitive compact crossover segment, the Audi Q2 and BMW 1er Reihe each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Q2 impresses with its striking design, advanced technology, and a more spacious interior, making it a strong contender for those seeking a stylish …
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
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.