VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
125kW@3400
Torque
230 Nm
350Nm@1400
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
4.4L/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
1500kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
8.2s
Engine
1499 cc
2143cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 115 kW while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class produces 125kW@3400. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the A-Class uses 4.4L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R713 395 for the 1 Series and R394 400 for the A-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 1 Series118 A/T (f70) 2024 - From R713 395
Mercedes-Benz A-Class220 CDI Blueefficiency Urban LINE 7 2013 - From R394 400
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
125kW@3400
Torque
230 Nm
350Nm@1400
0-100 kph
8.5 s
8.2s
Top Speed
226 Km/h
220km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2143cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
4.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
5.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
3.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
56L
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
115g/km
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
3838mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1764mm
Height
1459 mm
1593mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2568mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
-
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1485kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
1500kg
Load Capacity
570 lkg
1157kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
4 / 4 categories
Performance
A-Class
Fuel Economy
A-Class
Value
A-Class
Practicality
A-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Better fuel economy (4.4L/100km)
Lower starting price (R394 400)
Higher towing capacity (1500kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.2ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or A-Class?
The 1 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the A-Class uses 4.4L/100km on the combined cycle. The A-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 1 Series or A-Class?
The 1 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the A-Class delivers 125kW@3400 and 350Nm@1400 of torque. The A-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and A-Class?
The 1 Series starts from R713 395 and the A-Class from R394 400. The A-Class is cheaper by R318 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or A-Class?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the A-Class can tow 1500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the A-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider