Premium-Kompakte im Vergleich: BMW 1er Facelift gegen Mercedes A-Klasse – Wer setzt sich durch?

BMW 1 Series vs. Mercedes A-Class: The Compact Showdown Continues

These vehicles are small in size yet exude luxury. We're evaluating the latest refreshed models of these upscale compacts.

Whether it's for daily commuting, moderate-length journeys, or getaways to the beach or mountains, compact cars have consistently been versatile jack-of-all-trades – provided you don't pack them too heavily.

Several manufacturers have already phased out certain models, with the discontinuation of the Ford Focus set for 2025. Longstanding favorites such as the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class have managed to stay in production thus far. The former has recently undergone a significant facelift, while the latter appears to have been granted an extension on its lifecycle. Now presents an opportune moment to analyze and compare the specifications, dimensions, and design of these two entry-level models.

Photo Gallery: BMW 1 Series (2024)

Exterior Design

The upcoming BMW 1 Series, along with the Mercedes A-Class, takes design cues from their respective brand's larger models while maintaining distinct features unique to themselves.

The recently updated 1 Series, now with a fresh front design and a new F70 code, has been the talk of the town. The prominent dark radiator grille, sizable in its dimensions, presents an updated internal structure. Also housed within this area is a sensor for the driver assistance systems.

Standard on the vehicle are the well-established LED headlights, with the option to upgrade to LED matrix headlights. From a side view, the BMW 1 Series displays a rearward-stretching profile, accentuated at the back by an extended roof spoiler and sizable, newly designed taillights.

BMW 1 Series Update (2024)

Mercedes A-Class

The A-Class, which underwent a model update in 2023, features significant alterations at the front end. The most striking aspect is the prominent dot-patterned grille and the large central star housing sensors. Both the LED and LED-Matrix headlights have been redesigned, offering a fresh look in comparison to the previous model.

Similar to the Munich model, the A-Class features an aerodynamically designed side profile. It concludes with a rear end that has slightly softer yet still athletic contours.

Interior

With the latest refresh, the interior of the new 1 Series boasts significant updates, starting with the infotainment system.

Similar to its larger siblings, the 1 Series now features a continuous unit across the dashboard with two screens: a 10.25-inch display for the instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch screen for the infotainment system, which runs on BMW's own BMW Operating System 9, developed on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) foundation.

The widespread digitization of the cockpit has enabled engineers to minimize the number of physical buttons and controls as much as possible, including those for air conditioning. Updates now arrive "Over-the-Air", and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operate wirelessly.

The space available in this compact car is quite comfortable. The luggage capacity offers 380 liters when configured with five seats and increases to 1,200 liters when the seats are folded down. However, in the mild-hybrid versions, these figures decrease to a range of 300 to 1,135 liters.

Interior Design of the 2024 BMW 1 Series

The interior of the Mercedes A-Class is brimming with technological features. Adorning the dashboard is the latest iteration of the MBUX infotainment system, complete with a dual-screen setup.

The default dashboard display measures seven inches, but opting for a more premium package increases this to 10.25 inches. The entertainment screen remains consistently at 10.25 inches. This system also boasts online connectivity and, with the elimination of the central touchpad, it can be operated through voice commands or by using the touchscreen.

The vehicle also includes compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Unlike the Bavarian model, this one offers physical controls on the dashboard to manage the air conditioning.

The available space is also typical for its class. The luggage compartment capacity starts at a minimum of 310 liters and can expand up to a maximum of 1,190 liters.

The Interior of the Mercedes A-Class

Engine Options

The current BMW 1 Series offers a selection of four engines: comprising two gasoline and two diesel variants. The gasoline models feature a 170 horsepower 120er-MHEV with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a 300 horsepower M135 xDrive equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. On the diesel front, there's a 150 horsepower 118d and a 163 horsepower 120d-MHEV available.

The engine selection for the Mercedes A-Class offers more variety with its petrol engines all featuring either mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid systems, delivering power ranging from 136 to 306 horsepower. The only exception is the A 45 AMG, which boasts a robust 421 horsepower without any electrical assistance. On the other hand, the diesel options do not include electrification and are available with outputs of 116, 150, or 190 horsepower.

Both vehicles have the option of being equipped with four-wheel drive and come standard with automatic dual-clutch transmissions – the BMW with seven gears, while the Mercedes offers a choice of either seven or eight gears.

BMW Series 1 Redesign (2024)

Mercedes A45 AMG Model

Additional Comparisons:

Costs

Starting costs for the latest BMW 1 Series are set at 37,900 Euros, with the options categorized into four different trim levels: the Standard (which already comes with a comprehensive set of default features), MSport Design, MSport, and MSport Pro. The premier model, the M135 xDrive MSport Pro, is available starting from 56,200 Euros.

The starting cost for the Mercedes A-Class is set at 37,400 Euros, with the pricing structure being somewhat more intricate. The most expensive version, the A 45 S 4matic, is priced at 73,512 Euros.

Photo Gallery: 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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