BMW X1 E84 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class on the rear-drive MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Verdict
Pick this one if…
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel) — powerful and refined.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The C 220 d (194 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs M274 C 200 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
|
7,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
237 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
|
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
131 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
|
480 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
|
2,84 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
1.800 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
- 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
- COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
Pros
BMW X1
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
- Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Cons
BMW X1
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
Cornette Automotive BV
GDCauto
Groep Billen
Auto's Fabre