BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes Benz A-Class: A Brief Comparison

Variants

Before we get on with the comparison here are the variants that are on offer from both manufacturers.
A Class
Merc kept it simple with just two variants. There is the A 180 Sport petrol and the A 180 CDI Style diesel.

Variants

1 Series
BMW on the other hand has decided to be more adventurous and has provided buyers with twice the number of variants. These are
116i petrol
118d diesel
118d Sport line diesel and
118d Sport Plus diesel

Price

For reasons obvious, pricing is crucial and BMW seems to have the upper edge here.
A Class
The A Class range starts business at INR 22.73 lakhs for the petrol and ends with the diesel, at INR 21.93 lakhs.

Price

1 Series
Things get interesting with the 1 Series. Four variants means a buyer has more to choose from. Range starts at a lakh less than the Merc, at INR 20.90 lakhs for the only petrol trim. The remaining three diesel trims are priced at INR 22.9 lakhs, INR 25.9 lakhs and INR 29.9 lakhs respectively.

1 Series
To be noticed here is, with the 1 Series, BMW is not only targeting the compact luxury car space, but has even managed to reach the domain of luxury crossovers such as Audi Q1, Volvo V40 Cross Country, not to mention the upcoming Merc GLA Class. Clever strategy by BMW indeed.

Engine & transmission

A direct comparison becomes easier on the engine front since both manufacturers have introduced two engine units in India.

A Class
For petrol engine lovers A Class offers the 1.6 litre unit that generates 122 HP and 200 Nm torque. The larger 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine on the other hand, is rated at 109 HP and 250Nm torque.

Engine & transmission

A Class
Both engines get the 7G-DCT 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Power is delivered via front wheels.

Engine & transmission

1 Series
Doing duty in the 1 Series is a 1.6 liter turbo petrol unit that delivers 136 HP and 220 Nm.
The diesel unit is a 143 HP, 320 Nm torque 2.0 liter mill.
Both engines come mated to a ZT eight speed automatic transmission that turn the rear wheels.

Interesting how both automakers went for the automatic, but a missing manual gearbox is disappointing for many drivers. But considering the 1 Series is rear wheel driven it ought to be more fun to drive compared to the A Class.

Performance

A Class
(Petrol and diesel variants respectively)
0-100 km/h: 9.2s and 10.6s
Top speed: 202 km/h and 190 km/h

Performance

1 Series
(Petrol and diesel respectively)
0-100 km/h: 8.7s and 8.6s
Top speed: 210 km/h and 212 km/h

Fuel economy and CO2 emissions (ARAI Certified)

A Class
Mileage and CO2 (Petrol): 15.50 kmpl and 98g/km
Mileage and CO2 (Diesel): 20.06 kmpl and 98g/km

Fuel economy and CO2 emissions (ARAI Certified)

1 Series
Mileage and CO2 (Petrol): 16.28kmpl and 146.73 g/km
Mileage and CO2 (Diesel): 20.58 kmpl and 128.92 g/km

Dimensions and weight

A Class
Wheelbase: 2699 mm
Length: 4292 mm
Height: 1430 mm
Width: 1553 mm

Weight: 1395 kg (petrol trim) and 1505 kg (diesel trim)
Boot space: 341 liters (1157 liters with the rear seats folded)

Dimensions and weight

BMW
Wheelbase: 2690 mm
Length: 4324 mm
Height: 1421 mm
Width: 1535 mm

Weight: 1,365 kg (petrol) 1,395 (base diesel)
Boot space: 360 liters (1200 liters with the rear seats folded)

Safety features

When it comes to safety neither manufacturer has compromised. Both the A Class and 1 Series come loaded with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features. There are enough electronics and protection to ensure you survive a crash or do not lose control of the vehicles.

A Class

Since Mercedes has just two variants, placed within a narrow price band both cars share quite a few equipments and features. But the A 180 Sport being the premium of the two gets a few extras. But it is these extras that matter.

For instance, at just about INR 23 lakhs you get electric Panoramic sunroof. The 14.7 cm colour infotainment display meanwhile, is standard on both trims.

1 Series

The car suffers due to the existence of 4 variants. Most of the premium equipments and features have been pushed further up the variant ladder.

Compared against the A Class, the 1 Series does not get a sun roof until you reach the top end variants that cost upwards of INR 26 lakhs. The same goes for the BMW iDrive 16.5 cm LCD display infotainment system.

Final Verdict

Note: We have not yet driven the 1 Series so we have not judged it based on how the A Class feels to drive. But we have seen both cars and the answer comes out clear in our minds. If your buying decision is going to be solely based on value for money the Mercedes-Benz A Class beats the BMW 1 Series out and out.

Final Verdict

The A Class is better equipped, looks and feels more luxurious and is so loaded with features that it will spoil you. In comparison, the 1 Series feels 'cheap'. That might be a harsh word, but against the fully loaded A Class that word does not sound too wrong.