There have been some memorable pairings over the years, one of which was BMW and rear-wheel drive. So when the 1 Series switched to front-wheel drive, it surprised many and gave the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class matchup a whole new twist.
That brings us to the contest: Mercedes A-Class vs BMW 1 Series. Used, both models offer strong savings compared with buying new, so it’s time to see which premium hatchback belongs on your shortlist.
Quick comparison at a glance
Here’s an overview of how these premium hatchbacks compare in terms of key features:
BMW 1 Series | Mercedes A-Class | |
Driving experience | Sportier, sharper handling | Comfier, smoother ride |
Engines | Petrol & diesel, fun to drive, quieter | Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, slightly noisier |
Transmission | Manual & automatic, responsive | Manual & automatic, smooth |
Interior | High-quality, easy-to-use infotainment | Stylish, high-tech look, more wow factor |
Practicality | Slightly larger boot (380 litres) | Slightly deeper boot (370 litres), lower cabin access |
Rear passenger space | Adequate, slightly less headroom | Adequate, slightly easier access |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the details and what the 1 Series and A-Class each have to offer.
Price comparison
The new Mercedes A-Class ranges from £31,500 to around £65,000. The new BMW 1 Series starts at £32,000 and goes up to £50,500.
Looking at used car options, 2018 1 Series models cost £7,500-£8,000, and a 2018 Mercedes A-Class is slightly more expensive at £8,700-£10,000.
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BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class: Size and dimensions
BMW 1 Series:
- Length: 4,319 mm
- Width (excluding mirrors): 1,799 mm
- Height: 1,434 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
Mercedes A-Class dimensions:
- Length: 4,419 mm
- Width (excluding mirrors): 1,796 mm
- Height: 1,440 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,729 mm
The A-Class sits a bit longer and taller, with more rear-seat space and a slightly more upright ride.
Engine options
The 1 Series features a neat collection of petrol and diesel engines that deliver both efficiency and a sportier feel. Entry-level petrols are small, three-cylinder units ideal for city driving. The mid-range four-cylinder petrols and diesels provide a lively ride, especially comfortable over distance. The M135i xDrive tops the lineup and packs serious power into a car that still feels composed.
The Mercedes range is even more extensive, with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. Engines range from the calm, economical A 180 to the fiery AMG variants. However, compared with BMW, these cars produce more road roar, especially at higher speeds or under heavy acceleration.
Performance
The 1 Series models pull off everyday driving with more sporty responses. Even standard versions provide decent acceleration and precise steering. Most versions come with an automatic gearbox, but even the manual options are easy to handle.
The front-wheel drive setup supports agile handling across corners, although the ride is slightly firmer than the A-Class. The 1 Series M Sport models offer plenty of verve in reserve, so even when carrying passengers or a modest load, the car feels confident. The automatic gearboxes change quickly, meaning the car builds speed more easily than many of its rivals.
All A-Class models, from entry-level to AMG Line, offer stable handling, although not as sharp as the 1 Series. The tight turning circle makes manoeuvres precise, and the brakes offer steady, controlled stopping. The suspension is tuned to handle real-world streets rather than smooth test tracks.
Petrol variants reach 70mph on slip roads with minimal lag, though the gearbox takes a moment to select a higher ratio under heavier throttle. At cruising speed, wind noise is noticeable but doesn’t overwhelm the cabin.
Interior
Both the 1 Series and A-Class use high-quality materials. In the A-Class, gloss black surfaces, metal-effect trims, and optional ambient lighting give the interior a modern, tech-focused feel. The seats are shaped to provide support and comfort, and it’s obvious when you sit in them. The dashboard, with its dual-screen setup, makes a strong visual impression without feeling overdone.
The 1 Series, by comparison, opts for a slightly more restrained style but focuses on solid build quality and premium materials that feel tactile and durable. Leather, soft-touch plastics, and aluminium accents offer a sense of sophistication without feeling over-the-top.
Practicality in both cars is competitive. The 1 Series offers slightly more cargo capacity, and the A-Class’ deeper load area can accommodate oddly shaped items more efficiently. Interior storage space is well thought-out in both, with generous door bins, cubbyholes, and cupholders.
Passenger space is adequate for adults, with front seats providing good adjustment and comfort. Rear passengers may find interior space tight across the back row if three adults sit abreast, but four passengers can travel comfortably.
Boot space
The BMW 1 Series offers 380 litres, just slightly more than the A‑Class at around 370 litres. The difference isn’t huge, but the 1 Series’ wider opening makes it easier to load oddly shaped items, and you can fit a couple of medium suitcases upright without any Tetris-style juggling. Fold the rear seats down, and both cars expand to about 1,200 litres.
Technology
The A-Class is equipped with dual 10.25-inch infotainment screens, one in front of the driver and one central touchscreen, which creates a modern and high-tech cockpit. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for straightforward smartphone integration. Controls include touchscreen interaction, a touchpad, and voice commands.
The 1 Series features BMW’s iDrive system with a central screen and a rotary controller, which makes it easy to check menus while keeping your attention on driving. Its infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though screen sizes are slightly smaller than the Merc’s optional setup.
On the 1 Series, all models get LED daytime‑running lights, but full‑LED low and main beams are optional, and adaptive LED headlights are available on higher trims. In the A‑Class, base trims come with halogen headlamps. Mid-to-top trims upgrade to LED High Performance, and some premium versions offer MULTIBEAM adaptive LED.
Safety and driver assistance
The A-Class offers emergency braking, along with lane-keeping aids and attention assist systems, helping reduce the risk of collisions. Its suite of sensors includes monitoring via door mirrors, which alert drivers to vehicles in blind spots.
The 1 Series also comes with strong safety credentials, including autonomous braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise options. Both cars use advanced build technology to protect occupants in the event of an impact, and their driver assistance systems are designed to support rather than intrude.
Running costs and ownership
When it comes to everyday expenses and long-term care, the A-Class and the BMW 1 Series each have factors to consider:
Fuel and energy efficiency
The BMW 1 Series’ efficiency figures are in line with city-focused premium hatchbacks. The 118i petrol engine is particularly economical, and mid-range diesels are powerful and fuel-efficient.
On average, most A-Class variants are around 5-7% less fuel-efficient than the equivalent 1 Series, and the hybrid model reduces fuel consumption by roughly 20-25% in urban driving.
Insurance
Typical premiums for standard trims are £600-£900 per year. Sportier trims like the M135i and AMG Line can rise to around £1,200-£1,800 annually, depending on driver profile and location.
Servicing
Routine servicing costs for both models are similar, with standard trims averaging £200-£300 per year. Their strong build quality and attention to safety and reliability help keep maintenance manageable.
That said, higher trim levels or performance variants raise servicing costs because of more complex electronics, bigger brakes, or advanced infotainment.
Tax
1 Series petrol engines emit less than 130 g/km of CO2, which means a road tax of around £150-£165 per year for pre-2017 models. Pre-2017 A-Class petrols, with emissions between 130-150 g/km, cost a bit more, roughly £165-£210 annually. Post 2017, the second-year flat rate of £195 applies to all models, regardless of the engine configuration, as long as the initial selling price was under £40,000.
Plug-in hybrid versions of the A-Class benefit from near-zero first-year VED.
Depreciation
Depreciation figures for the A-Class and 1 Series aren’t significantly different. Based on 2018 models, the 1 Series lost roughly 75-80% of its value over five years, and the A-Class depreciated slightly more slowly at around 70-75%.
How Carplus can help with financing the car you want
If you’re eyeing a BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, or any other car, check out Carplus and grab a deal that gets you on the road faster.
With flexible finance plans like PCP and hire purchase, the cars are available with manageable monthly payments. Competitive rates on used models make it easier to enjoy a premium hatch (or any car you love) without compromising on quality or choice. Explore today!
Who is the BMW 1 Series for?
The BMW 1 Series is a better option for drivers who crave a responsive, sporty driving experience. These are people who enjoy zipping through city streets and tackling twisty country roads. It’s far more eager to react to your inputs, and every journey feels engaging.
Who is the Mercedes A-Class for?
The Mercedes A-Class is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxing-to-drive hatchback. The A-Class is slightly softer in its handling, with a comfier ride that soaks up bumps and imperfections across broken town asphalt.
Verdict
For many, the short answer is the BMW 1 Series, though both cars have strong points. It prioritises a premium look and feel, with a responsive and sporty driving experience that makes the 1 Series feel better harmonised with its engine.
At the same time, the A-Class offers a calmer, more composed ride. Beyond smoothness, it delivers peacefulness in other ways, from a quiet cabin to intuitive tech. Whichever you choose, both are enjoyable to drive!
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