BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 1 Series | A-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 713 395 | R 813 124 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 469/m | R 14 212/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 429 562 | R 489 612 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 283 833 | R 323 512 |
| Value after 5 years | R 317 408 | R 361 781 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW 1 Series →
The 1 Series has been BMW's entry point in South Africa since 2004, first as a rear-wheel-drive hatch and since 2019 as a front-wheel-drive one. Badge appeal keeps demand steady among younger buyers moving up from mainstream hatches. Used values are reasonable for the segment, though running costs once the motor plan expires put some buyers off.
Known for: entry point to the bmw badge
Mercedes-Benz A-Class →
Mercedes' entry model in SA went from quirky tall hatch in the late 1990s to a conventional premium hatch and sedan from 2013. The current W177 generation sold well against the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, but the nameplate is being phased out globally with no direct successor. First-owner depreciation is steep, which makes clean used examples decent value.
Known for: affordable entry to the mercedes badge
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 1 Series or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 60% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW 1 Series loses about R 283 833 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class loses about R 323 512. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BMW 1 Series runs about R 12 469 per month and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class about R 14 212, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.