BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
In comparing the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the BMW X1 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW X1 ranges from $40,467 to $56,873 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $46,801 to $62,210. For a new model, the BMW X1's price is between $43,893 and $57,593, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $49,176 and $64,214.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X1 loses 44.6 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 47.9 percent of its value. This means the BMW X1 retains 3.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X1 is 7.9 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the BMW X1 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X1 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW X1.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X1’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has higher safety ratings than the BMW X1, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,893 - $57,593
Starting MSRP:
$40,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$40,572
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$25,600 - $49,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$49,176 - $64,214
Starting MSRP:
$46,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,113
Price Range:
$40,467 - $56,873
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$45,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,730 - $58,418
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
349
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,605
# Good or Great Deals:
94
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,934
Price Range:
$46,801 - $62,210
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
910
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,024
# Good or Great Deals:
287
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,450
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$22,050
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
46.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
43% - 50.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$22,866
Depreciation %:
48.7%
Resale Value $:
$24,084
Residual Value %:
51.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
BMW X1 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.9 / 10
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X1
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.1 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.3 - 6.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
BMW X1 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 59Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
40 out of / 68Ranking
59 out of / 68Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
BMW X1 Trim Levels
M35i, xDrive28i
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 43, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
46.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3750 lbs
Width:
82.8 inches
Height:
64.6 inches
Length:
177.2 inches
Wheelbase:
106 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Bay Lagoon Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic / San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Utah Orange Metallic
Silver
Space Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Red/Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey
Red
Power Red/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige
