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BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA250

What's the difference?

VS
BMW X1
BMW X1

$49,278 - $88,888

2023 price

Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Mercedes-Benz CLA250

$19,999 - $31,998

2014 price

Summary

2023 BMW X1
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.2L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Pricey
  • Servicing on the expensive side
  • Small fuel tank

  • More expensive than rivals
  • Hard ride
  • Sometimes confusing multimedia system
2023 BMW X1 Summary

BMW’s X1 has changed. In a good way. Especially if you’re thinking about buying one as a family car.

Yep, last year the third-generation X1 arrived and after 13 years and three different attempts on a design, BMW has nailed it. And by ‘it’ I mean built a super practical and spacious small SUV that’s great to drive. 

See, as a dad of two kids, when it comes to cars and my family ‘it’ means something totally different to what ‘it’ meant 10 years ago.

And that’s what this review is about: does the BMW X1, and specifically this xDrive20i M Sport variant we’ve tested here, make a good family car?

If you're thinking of buying it for your family then you need to read this and also consider the likes of Audi’s Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Summary

The CLA class has been the smash-hit for Mercedes in the same way the A3 sedan has been for Audi. It's found plenty of buyers and sits perfectly alongside the A-Class hatch for those who prefer a boot.

The CLA 250 Sport is a slightly curious animal – it's got the hot-hatch power and unusually, all-wheel drive. It's got a lot of styling. It's also significantly more expensive than offerings from VW and Audi so it would have to have something a bit extra – wouldn't it?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW X1 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

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