BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 CLA.
When we compare the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW X1 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW X1 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Pricing: For a new model, the BMW X1's price is between $46,327 and $58,039, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $45,710 and $58,975.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X1 loses 50.4 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 3.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X1.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X1 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the BMW X1 being ranked 1 out of 12 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X1 is 7.8 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the BMW X1 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X1’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X1 has an average safety rating of 4.55 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
46327 - 58039
Starting MSRP:
42800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
40750
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
26100 - 49900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45710 - 58975
Starting MSRP:
42750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
60930
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
41700 - 102100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
45657
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
29166 - 57767
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW X1 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X1
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.058
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.09
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
BMW X1 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 64Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
24 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
43 out of / 68Ranking
62 out of / 68Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW X1 Trim Levels
M35i, xDrive28i
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 250 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):
4.55 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:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
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:
Not yet available
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:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 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
Heated Seats
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
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
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
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.1 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:
57.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.1 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:
3494 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
184.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.1 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
Frozen Portimao Blue II Metallic / Night Dusk Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
Silver
Space Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Polar White
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching
Brown
Castanea
Gray
Atlas Grey/Smoke White
White
Smoke White
Beige
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Sage Grey/Black / Titanium Grey/Black
White
Not available
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Red
Classic Red/Black
