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BMW 1 Series vs Nissan Leaf comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 217 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Nissan Leaf?

BMW 1 Series vs Nissan Leaf: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
details

Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
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 barely cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Nissan Leaf costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,014 £.

Leaf

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 BMW 1 Series offers markedly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 217 HP. That’s roughly 83 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Nissan Leaf takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers slightly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 355 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is visibly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,864 kg. The difference is around 399 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries somewhat more – 510 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 66 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series holds a decisive overall lead 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 £28,800
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
BMW 1 Series
Nissan Leaf

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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Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

details
BMW 1 Series
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,800 - 51,100 £
Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,361 mm
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 - 1,200 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
441 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Nissan
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.