If you are considering buying a new car, the segment C, the compact, is the one that best meets when we want a car for everything. It is a size in which we have relative agility for day-to-day and urban journeys, but which also performs satisfactorily when it comes to taking a vacation trip. If you are looking for a model of a certain quality, technology and image, the BMW Serie 1 y Mercedes A-Class They are two alternatives that you have to evaluate.
There are many general models at a competitive price. Obviously, when we talk about the Series 1 and the Class A, we talk about premium compacts. They will be more expensive than a Renault Mรฉgane or Hyundai i30, for example, but we will also have more distinction and, a priori, more quality. In this article we make a comparison of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes Class A, two premium compacts that have recently released a new generation. Which is better?
Exterior design
When we talk about design, personal tastes have a lot of weight. That is why I do not like to pronounce too much on this aspect. However, in the case of these two protagonists it is important to highlight the change of trend in terms of visual character refers.
On the other hand, they are two premium compact models, so both BMW , the Mercedes our offer many trim lines and customization options. Little has to do with a BMW 1 Series in M โโSport finish compared to the base finish or another more focused on an elegant image. Similarly, a Mercedes Class A greatly changes its appearance from one basic finish to another with the AMG kit.
As I said, if we compare them with the predecessor generations, there is a clear change in trend. The BMW Serie 1 It has always been a very sporty-looking compact. Now, with the arrival of this third generation, it has softened its character. It no longer has a focus on such a young audience as before, but is much more varied. You can see both a 22-year-old and a 60-year-old behind the wheel of this model, and you won't be surprised by one or the other.
For their part, the first two generations of the Mercedes A-Class they were more focused on older people. With the arrival of the third generation everything changed, being a compact with a very dynamic aesthetic. In the current model (fourth generation) that more youthful bet is maintained but, as in the BMW, it is a car that looks good on people of any age range. In other words, both have a very wide range of clients. It is certainly a safe bet.
Personally, and although people of any age like it, I think the A-Class has a somewhat more aggressive exterior design than the 1 Series. In any case, that aesthetic character can be changed when configuring the car with the exterior packages, colors and wheels to choose. There are not exactly few alternatives that we have at our disposal in this regard.
Interior design, technology and qualities
We continue with the comparison between the Series 1 and the Class A, two premium compacts. Now we go inside the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It is time to Analyze quality, technology and environment that "is breathed" in these Germans. Needless to say, screens and infotainment have landed squarely on both.
If we stand in the driving position, both the BMW and the Mercedes can have a large digital screen that acts as an instrument panel. It is what we all know as a digital instrument cluster. Of course, the dashboard designs are quite different.
Starting with screens, the Series 1 clearly separates the instrument panel from the central screen. The box looks good, although it does not have great customization possibilities. It practically only changes color depending on the selected driving mode. In its central area, the navigation map is projected, but it does not shine for a special image quality or visibility.
I like the central screen of the dashboard better. It can be operated both by touch and by means of the iDrive controller of the central tunnel and the buttons that surround it. The menu structure is very well organized, the image quality is very high, it is pleasant to the touch and the reversing camera looks very good. In addition, it is intuitive and the graphics and information are easy to interpret. The size is 10,25 inches at the top of the range.
For its part, the Mercedes A-Class is committed to the MBUX infotainment, a personal assistant that is reaching all models of the brand. As you can see in the images, it is practically a double screen, since the digital box and the central screen are together. Running screen they call it.
The instrument panel is more customizable and can display more information at once. However, it has enough buttons to operate the different functions from the steering wheel and I personally find it difficult to adapt. It takes time to control what each button on the steering wheel is forAnd that's not a good sign. For a person who is not very good with technology - an elderly person, for example - it may take a long time to become familiar with all the buttons on the steering wheel and functions of the panel.
The infotainment screen of the Mercedes, as in the 1 Series, can be operated by touch or with the right hand from a control and other buttons located on the center console. Its image quality is very good, but I find the menu structure to be more logical and easier to learn in the case of the BMW. The size is also 10,25 inches.
Let's talk about qualities. We are in two premium cars, and that has to be very noticeable inside. It has always been said that BMW used too many plastic materials and that it did not shine for quality, while Mercedes has been the flag of luxury and good work on wheels. I am afraid that things have changed in recent years.
El BMW 1 Series has great build quality in every way, with well-selected materials. No imperfections are noticeable when passing the hand through any part of the cabin and most of the elements are soft. You breathe a lot of quality and there is no trace of "crickets". It is also noticeable on the steering wheel rim, on the door upholstery and even when activating the turn signal control. The truth is that the Series 1 has improved a lot in this regard.
We cannot say the same about Mercedes A-Class. The star brand has opted for a very technological and striking interior in its latest cars, with many little lights and screens. However, when it comes to touching the dashboard, it shows that in that sense they have saved a lot. Mercedes resorts to many hard plastics, trying to sell a higher quality with the famous black piano, but sincerely they are not up to par than is usually expected.
Regardless of whether they are hard or soft materials, it is not the first time that we have noticed certain โcricketsโ in the area of โโโโthe dashboard or, above all, in the doors in cars from the compact range of Mercedes. We have even perceived it, although to a lesser extent, in higher classes. In the quality impression section, the BMW wins by far.
Exterior dimensions and interior space
| Long Jump | Width | High jump | Battle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Jump | Width | High jump | Battle | |
| BMW Serie 1 | 4.319 mm | 1.799 mm | 1.434 mm | 2.670 mm |
| Mercedes A-Class | 4.419 mm | 1.796 mm | 1.440 mm | 2.729 mm |
Taking a look at the table above we can see that the Mercedes A-Class is slightly larger than the BMW 1 Series. The one with the three-pointed star brand is 8 centimeters longer and has a wheelbase of almost 6 centimeters more. The width and height dimensions are practically identical.
As usual in this category, the front seats they are spacious enough for two relatively tall adults to travel comfortably and without feeling cramped. Of course, the center console is somewhat bulkier in the Class A, so we have a slight feeling of more space in the Series 1. In any case, the difference is minimal.
Neither the Mercedes nor the BMW are the cars with the best access for rear seats, because the upper frame of the bodywork is lower than in other C-segment cars. Once inside, it is not that they are the most spacious in these rear seats.
The two cars are very similar in terms of cabin space. Four medium-sized adults (between 1,75 and 1,80 meters tall) can travel in relative comfort. They will not touch the ceiling with their heads or with their knees on the front seatback, but there is not much space left over either. There may be some feeling of narrowness because the glass surface is not very large, neither in the BMW nor in the Mercedes. The 1 Series has slightly more legroom, while the A-Class has better headroom. In any case, the differences are not great.
On the other hand, the central square is harder and narrower, housing a central armrest in the backrest. As is normal in most compacts, if the three rear seats are used, all the occupants of this second row will be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to use the rear center seat only in specific situations. Considering a long trip with five people is not highly recommended.
Let's compare the trunks
The difference in trunk volume is not decisive. In their generational changes they have increased the cargo space, now being in the average of the segment in both cases. The BMW Series 1 cubic 380 liters, while the Mercedes Class A offers 370 liters. In both models, the seatbacks can be folded down to increase the cargo volume.
Bodywork offer
If we talk about bodywork, neither is offered in a 3-door version. They are only available in 5-door bodywork. However, BMW has a 2 Series Gran Coupรฉ, which becomes the "sedan brother" of the Series 1; while Mercedes offer us the Class A Sedan, which is a four-door, and also the Mercedes CLA, which is more coupรฉ-style. There are no -nor are they expected- โrancheraโ type family bodies in either of the two cases.
Mechanics Offer
Regarding the offer of engines and mechanics, all BMW 1 Series and Mercedes Class A resort to turbocharging, having three and four-cylinder engines in the BMW and only four-cylinder in the Mercedes. In neither are there six-cylinder versions. The A-Class has a plug-in hybrid version called at 250e. A variant similar to BMW's compact is expected to arrive soon.
As you know, the BMW 1 Series is now front-wheel drive, resorting to transverse engines. Previously, the Bavarian model had longitudinal engines and rear-wheel drive. Both the BMW and the Mercedes are front-wheel drive with transverse engines, enjoying four-wheel drive versions. There are versions with manual transmission and others with automatic transmission.
If we talk about sports versions, the BMW M135i xDrive is the top of the Bavarian compact range, using a 2.0 hp 306-liter engine, automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In the case of the Mercedes, two variants with AMG seal are available. On the one hand appears the AMG A 35 and, on the other, the AMG A 45 S. The A 35 develops 306 CV and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S reaches 421 CV.
BMW 1 Series Engines
| Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Engine Torque | Approved consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Engine Torque | Approved consumption |
| 118 | 3 cylinder | 1.5 liters | 140 CV | 220 Nm | 5.7 l / 100 km |
| M135i xDrive | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 306 CV | 450 Nm | 7.1 l / 100 km |
| 116d | 3 cylinder | 1.5 liters | 116 CV | 270 Nm | 4.2 l / 100 km |
| 118d | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 150 CV | 350 Nm | 4.4 l / 100 km |
| 120d | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 190 CV | 400 Nm | 4.7 l / 100 km |
Mercedes A-Class engines
| Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Engine Torque | Approved consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denomination | Number of cylinders | Displacement | Power | Engine Torque | Approved consumption |
| A 180 | 4 cylinder | 1.33 liters | 136 CV | 200 Nm | 5.9 l / 100 km |
| A 200 | 4 cylinder | 1.33 liters | 163 CV | 250 Nm | 5.9 l / 100 km |
| A 250 | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 224 CV | 350 Nm | 7 l / 100 km |
| AMG A35 | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 306 CV | 400 Nm | 7.9 l / 100 km |
| AMG A45S | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 421 CV | 500 Nm | 8.6 l / 100 km |
| A 180d | 4 cylinder | 1.5 liters | 116 CV | 260 Nm | 4.6 l / 100 km |
| A 200d | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 150 CV | 320 Nm | 4.8 l / 100 km |
| A 220d | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liters | 190 CV | 400 Nm | 4.9 l / 100 km |
dynamic behavior
Now is the time to talk about the driving impressions. Few are the surprises that we have taken when trying one and another car. The one that has changed the most compared to the previous model is the BMW 1 Series because, as we mentioned above, it has put aside rear-wheel drive and is now a compact front-wheel drive. In normal and quiet driving it goes almost 100% unnoticed, being noticeable only at a very high pace and, especially, when accelerating hard coming out of a curve.
In our case, the mechanical versions that we have driven are quite logical and rational, that is, variants that most customers of these models would consider. A few weeks ago we tested the BMW 1 Series in the 118i version (1.5-liter gasoline with 140 hp), while I drove the Mercedes A-Class some time ago in its mechanical version A 200 (1.33-liter gasoline with 163 hp). Later we also tested it in the 180d version (116 hp diesel).
Both the BMW 118i and the Mercedes-Benz A 200 have very smooth engines with good torque delivery from very low revs. Something they achieve thanks to the use of turbo charging. They are not exciting mechanics in terms of sensations at the wheel. Normally they will work at low revolutions, because their torque allows them to move the car with ease without having to climb to the top of the rev counter to "look for horses".
Only in strong accelerations, such as when overtaking on a secondary road, will it be worthwhile for the engine to increase a few more revolutions and guarantee greater solvency. In fact, with the automatic transmission, in a quiet driving it is not usual for it to go above 3.000 rpm.
In the case of the 118i, the engine is a three-cylinder. BMW has taken great care in the refinement of this mechanics and, unless we pay close attention at certain times, it is difficult to notice that it is not a four-cylinder. In addition, the acoustic insulation is very good in all senses in the case of the Series 1, both for rolling and for aerodynamics and, of course, for mechanics.
The Mercedes A 200 also stands out for a very smooth operation and with enough thrust in low and medium turns to avoid raising it to the high zone of the tachometer except on rare occasions. It is likewise very quiet and the gearbox runs smoothly, being quite intelligent in selecting the appropriate ratio. Of course, when accelerating fully, it seems to take slightly longer to drop a few gears in a few moments.
In the case of Mercedes A 180d, the diesel version, it is noted that it is a noisier engine. Logically, diesel engines are not as quiet as gasoline engines. This noise can be seen in the passenger compartment, especially when cold and during relatively strong accelerations. It is not that it is a very high noise level, far from it, but in the case of a car of this brand and price, it could be somewhat better insulated. In aerodynamics, the BMW has also seemed somewhat quieter to me, but the difference is very slight.
Regarding the suspensions, we have tested the BMW 1 Series with the M Sport package and the Mercedes A-Class with the AMG finish. This means that we have carried oversized rims and low-profile tires, as well as a stiffer suspension than stock. In both cases the inertias were very well contained, but it is no less true that the BMW is more rigid than the Mercedes.
En sporty driving on asphalt in good condition it is appreciated, but taking into account that they are not sports versions, I consider that the moron of the Class A is more accurate. The one of the 118i M Sport does not become uncomfortable, but the potholes and undulations. By the way, both cars can carry adaptive suspension.
In short, both the BMW 1 Series 118i and the Mercedes A-Class in version A 200 are cars that do not have very high performance, but they do have enough to be cars. solvents in all kinds of everyday situations and, of course, to travel. They allow you to move forward and get up easily and work very smoothly and comfortably. From my point of view, very good options. In addition, once on the road, they are well-insulated cars with a lot of poise, allowing them to drive at high speed with a good sense of control and safety.
Security systems
The BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class are premium models that have reached the market very recently. For this reason, they have a wide range of active safety systems and driving assistants. Of course, it will depend on the money we want to invest, because not all of them are standard. Both brands market some systems independently, although we can benefit from a more affordable price by purchasing some specific packages.
The BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class can have adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, rain sensor, blind spot control, reversing camera back, 360-degree camera, assisted parking, involuntary lane departure warning with steering control, traffic sign recognition and fatigue detector among others.
EuroNCAP results
Safety is a very important issue when buying a new car. Fortunately, in the EuroNCAP crash test both the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class have achieved five stars. Here are the scores for each section:
| BMW Serie 1 | Mercedes A-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Serie 1 | Mercedes A-Class | |
| adult occupant | 83% | 96% |
| child occupant | 87% | 91% |
| Pedestrians | 76% | 92% |
| Active security | 72% | 75% |
Although the two C-segment premium models have achieved the desired 5 stars EuroNCAP, As can be seen in the table above, the Mercedes A-Class has better series safety scores than the BMW 1 Series in the four areas evaluated, which are: protection for adult occupants, for child occupants, protection for pedestrians in case run over and the standard level of active safety systems.
Let's talk about prices
It's time to talk about prices. The two cars have extensive configuration possibilities in terms of their mechanics, so we are going to evaluate what the price of the access versions is and, then, how much two units of engines and medium and similar equipment between the two would cost us. These prices are taken directly from the configurator of the respective brands in Spain.
El BMW 1 Series has a starting price of 28.800 euros for a standard finish and the 118 hp 140i engine with manual gearbox. For his part, the Mercedes A-Class without extras and the 180 hp A 136 propeller with manual transmission starts in the 29.415 Euros, although the star is slightly better equipped.
Considering that both mechanics are solvent enough for the daily use of a car of this type, let's go on to choose some interesting options and let's see what the final price of each one is. Of course, we will configure them with automatic transmission, which is more logical. We will also try to make the equipment equal in both cars, focusing especially on safety and assistants, but also on comfort and connectivity.
Starting with the BMW 118i, the configuration price of a unit that we consider "logical" (with some extras that are worth it) is 37.365 euros. We have added the following options:
- Advantage Finish
- Parking assistant
- Wireless charging for smartphone
- Adaptive cruise control
- Comfort access
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Connected Package Professional
- BMW Live Cockpit (with digital instrument cluster)
In the case of the Mercedes Class A 180 configurator to our liking, we have obtained a configurator price of 36.633 euros. The main additions are the following:
- Advantage Package
- Wireless charging system for smartphones
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- blind spot monitoring
- Pre-Safe system
- Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic)
- Keyless entry and start
Conclusions
As you have seen throughout this comparison, the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class They are similar cars in many ways.. They are two premium compacts that can be very well equipped, that have a wide possibility of personalization, that enjoy a wide mechanical range and that can count on many security systems. In addition, both have 5 EuroNCAP stars.
At the level of behavior there is no longer as much difference as before, especially when driving normally; without sporting pretensions. Aesthetically they are different cars, but very similar in other details mentioned above, such as interior roominess or trunk capacity. Of course, they also have in common that, with little that we add extras, it is easy to increase the final price by several thousand euros.
Test Mercedes-Benz Class A 180d | 
BMW 1 Series 118i M Sport 140 hp |
|---|---|
| 4 star rating | 4 star rating |
| ย28.800 a ย48.550 | ย28.800 a ย51.700 |
|
|
other rivals
For years, the premium C-segment is made up of the famous German trio: Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The four ring compact It will launch its generational change very soon, reaching dealers probably after next summer.
However, a customer who thinks of one of these three models can also consider buying a Volkswagen Golf. The Golf is a somewhat cheaper car and, as a general rule, it performs very well in all aspects. It has good build quality, a lot of technology, more habitability than the Series 1 and Class A, it is comfortable and, above all, it has a very good reputation in the market.
Botton line
Positive points BMW 1 Series
- internal quality
- More intuitive technology
Negative points BMW 1 Series
- Less dynamic exterior design
- It has lost some character in its driving, but it is still dynamic
Positive points Mercedes Class A
- Interior and exterior design
- Assistants and technology
Negative points Mercedes Class A
- Quality of some interior materials
- Less user-friendly technology
Gallery BMW 1 Series
Gallery Mercedes Class A
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 116 - 421 hp
- Consumption 0,8 - 8,8l/100km
- Assessment 4,5