Verdict
At RM250,800, the BMW iX1 costs RM11,912 more than the RM238,888 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, but brings 475 km of quoted EV range, a 490-litre boot and the taller SUV body. It also has 130 kW DC charging, 360-degree camera and adaptive LED headlamps. The A-Class counters with quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration at 8.3 seconds versus 8.6, a 230 km/h top speed and lower RM70 annual road tax. For Malaysian buyers who can charge regularly and need luggage room, the iX1 is the more practical choice; the Mercedes is the cheaper, faster petrol sedan.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you want 475 km EV range, a 490-litre boot and SUV seating height, and can accept the higher purchase price and RM160 road tax.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan if you want to spend RM11,912 less, pay RM70 annual road tax and have the quicker 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan RM238,888.
- Powertrain: BMW iX1 has one 204 hp/250 Nm electric motor and a 66.5 kWh battery; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has a 1,332 cc 161 hp/270 Nm petrol engine.
- Range/fuel storage: BMW iX1 quotes 475 km EV range; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has a 51-litre fuel tank.
- Performance: BMW iX1 does 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reaches 170 km/h; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan manages 8.3 seconds and 230 km/h.
- Practicality: BMW iX1 has a 490-litre boot and is 1,642 mm tall; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has a 420-litre boot and is 1,446 mm tall.
- Road tax: BMW iX1 RM160 per year; Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan RM70 per year.
iX1
- 475 km quoted EV range with 130 kW DC charging.
- 490-litre boot, 70 litres larger than the Mercedes.
- Adaptive LED headlamps, 360-degree camera and head-up display.
- Costs RM11,912 more.
- Annual road tax is RM90 higher.
- Slower to 100 km/h and 60 km/h lower in top speed.
A-Class Sedan
- RM11,912 lower purchase price and RM70 annual road tax.
- Quicker 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 230 km/h top speed.
- Longer 2,729 mm wheelbase than the iX1's 2,692 mm.
- 420-litre boot is 70 litres smaller.
- No rear air-conditioning vents.
- LED reflector headlamps rather than the iX1's adaptive LED units.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM250,800 | RM238,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM70✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 161 hp |
| Torque | — | 270 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 204 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 475 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Getrag |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,549 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,796 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,446 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | 2,085 kg | 1,385 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 51 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 205/55R17 |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 17" Five-twin-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 17" Five-twin-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension | Comfort Lowered Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front Pelvis, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | 2 on outer rear seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Front Collision Warning | Yes, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Driving Assistant Plus | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Driver | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | Front 12V, Qi Wireless charging tray | 2 Front USB-C, 1 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | Dual front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | — |
| Audio | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Yes | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Electric | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes with 360 view | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant Plus | Yes, Active Parking Assist |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | Add RM13,430 for 5 year warranty and service package, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used iX1 & A-Class Sedan for sale
iX1 vs A-Class Sedan FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan better?
The BMW iX1 is better for EV driving, cargo space and equipment, with 475 km range and a 490-litre boot. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is better for lower upfront cost, road tax and straight-line performance.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 costs RM11,912 more: RM250,800 versus RM238,888 for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan.
Which one is quicker?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds versus 8.6 seconds for the BMW iX1. Its 230 km/h top speed is also 60 km/h higher than the iX1's 170 km/h.