A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: the short answer
GLC has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 1 Series remains close.
1 Series starts ZAR 342,850 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · GLC from ZAR 1,047,850
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
GLC
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
GLC310 kW
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
GLC500 Nm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
GLC1991 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
GLC10.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
GLC187 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 1 Series
M135 xDrive
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
1 Series
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
GLC
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
1 Series
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
GLC
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Model Introduced Year
2024
2026
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
Current South African GLC generation represented by derivative GLC 43 4MATIC
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Suv
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Premium Hatchback
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Length
4361 mm
4716 mm
Width
1800 mm
1890 mm
Height
1459 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
187 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
62 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
620 l
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
1950 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
600 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.9 m
Front Headroom
985 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
958 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1041 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
896 mm
900 mm
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1991/L4
Engine Code
B48
M139
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1991 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
9.0:1
Bore
82.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
233 kW
310 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
500 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
310 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
500 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
7
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Yes
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
7
9
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
10.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
49
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
360 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
0 km
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
AEB
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Yes
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Climate Control
Standard
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Standard
Automatic climate control
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Infotainment System
Yes
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
1 Series
GLC
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Yes
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
1 Series
GLC
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
228 g/km
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
1883775 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
975000
1711000
Starting Price Zar
975000
1711000
Spec
1 Series
GLC
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and GLC comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 1 Series 91 vs GLC 97.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs GLC 45.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs GLC 99.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs GLC 73.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs GLC not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
1 Series and GLC image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLC leads by 8 points
GLC has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 1 Series remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLC
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
73/100
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLC
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 73 pts for 1 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLC leads. However, 1 Series may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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