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Mercedes A Class vs BMW 1 Series comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (32,600 £ vs 29,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes A Class or BMW 1 Series?

Mercedes A Class vs BMW 1 Series: Key differences

Mercedes A Class

2.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
details

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • only slightly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

A Class

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is moderately cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Mercedes A Class costs 32,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,211 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class uses 2.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2 L/100km.

1 Series

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 A Class 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 A Class is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

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

A Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes A Class is very slightly lighter – 1,440 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 25 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers only slightly more boot space – 380 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries marginally more – 510 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class 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 £32,600
A Class

Mercedes A Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 85 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes A Class
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes A Class

The Mercedes A‑Class arrives as a compact charmer that dresses premium materials and a cockpit full of screens in a tidy, city-friendly package, delivering surprising agility and poise. For buyers who want a luxury badge, clever tech and a car that's equally happy in tight streets or on a spirited country run, the A‑Class offers a grown-up feel with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Mercedes A Class

2.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
32,600 - 66,500 £
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
85 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 205 g/km
co2
112 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,440 - 1,695 kg
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,796 - 1,850 mm
Width
1,800 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 485 kg
Payload
475 - 510 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, 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
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 500 Nm
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
BMW
Is the Mercedes A Class offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes A Class 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.