Compare the BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
AI generated from our expert reviews
Both the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class make it easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seats, but both are a squeeze if you try to fit three adults across the rear bench. Where they diverge is how they behave from behind the wheel. Around town, the A-Class is pretty comfortable and makes for a relaxing drive, whereas the 1 Series has quite firm, jittery suspension at low speeds. Head out onto a twisty road, however, and the 1 Series is much more fun than the Mercedes. Inside, the BMW blows the Mercedes out of the water for build quality, with the A-Class suffering from flimsy trim pieces and scratchy plastics. If you plan to hitch up a trailer, the Mercedes-Benz can tow more.
AI results may contain inaccuracies. Please check the details before making any financial decisions.
'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.
Compare the specs
Standard kit
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Tow hitch
A fitted towbar for pulling a trailer, caravan or bike rack.
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Climate control
Automatically keeps the cabin at a set temperature, rather than a manual heater dial.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Heated seats
Warms the seat itself on cold mornings.
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Leather seats
Leather (or leather-look) seat upholstery instead of cloth.
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Navigation
Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Touchscreen infotainment
A touch-operated screen for media, settings and (often) navigation.
Key information
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Available fuel types Petrol | Available fuel types Petrol |
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Boot space, seats up 300 litres (2 suitcases) | Boot space, seats up 350 litres (2 suitcases) Best |
| Boot space, seats down 1,135 litres | Boot space, seats down 1,190 litres Best |
| External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,361 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,459 mm | External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,428 mm x 1,796 mm x 1,452 mm |
| Towing capacity 1,300 kg | Towing capacity 1,400 kg Best |
| First year tax rate £455 Best | First year tax rate £560 |
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Drivetrain & power
| Engine name 120 Step Auto | Engine name A180 Auto |
| Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 156 BHP | Engine size 1.3 L Petrol • 136 BHP |
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Fuel type Petrol | Fuel type Petrol |
| Transmission Automatic | Transmission Automatic |
| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
| Forward gears 7 | Forward gears 7 |
| Acceleration 7.8 s (0-60 mph) Best | Acceleration 9.2 s (0-60 mph) |
Dimensions & space
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Number of doors 5 | Number of doors 5 |
| Boot (seats up) 300 litres | Boot (seats up) 350 litres Best |
| Boot (seats down) 1,135 litres | Boot (seats down) 1,190 litres Best |
| Length 4,361 mm | Length 4,428 mm |
| Width 1,800 mm | Width 1,796 mm |
| Height 1,459 mm | Height 1,452 mm |
| Wheelbase 2.67 m | Wheelbase 2.73 m |
| Turning circle 11.7 m | Turning circle 11.0 m |
Full features list
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.