BMW 1 Series vs Mazda 6e
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$59,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$49,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 1 Series starts from $59,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda 6e opens at $49,990. That makes the Mazda 6e the more affordable entry point by $9,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,450 and $54,989 respectively.
The Mazda 6e currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW 1 Series does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda 6e holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the BMW 1 Series. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the BMW 1 Series and 93% for the Mazda 6e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda 6e, against 6 on the BMW 1 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 1 Series and 9 in the Mazda 6e.
Recalls on our record
BMW 1 Series
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006036 · published 26 Jul 2024Some vehicles may have been converted after production with steering wheel variants containing a faulty Takata inflator.Year range on the notice: 2004 - 2014
- REC-000140 · published 21 Jun 2018Due to a possible electrical connection failure to the cars main battery power cable where it connects into the vehicles fuse box, the car may lose power to several electrical systems within the vehicle.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2011
- 4 more on the model page.
Mazda 6e
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
78kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 194kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 194kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 1 Series features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda 6e gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda 6e counters with panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 1 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda 6e offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 1 Series uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Mazda 6e responds with a Electric making 190kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Mazda 6e has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 1 Series measures 4,361mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 560mm shorter than the Mazda 6e at 4,921mm (2,895mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the BMW 1 Series and 337L in the Mazda 6e, giving the BMW 1 Series a 43L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda 6e leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda 6e). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda 6e if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda 6e: Top CarSorted Score, 80 vs 72
The Mazda 6e comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (80 vs 72), taking 5 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Mazda 6e ahead by 16), safety (Mazda 6e ahead by 14), reliability (Mazda 6e ahead by 7). If boot space matters, the BMW 1 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 1 Series and Mazda 6e?
The Mazda 6e is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $9,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda 6e has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 1 Series has the largest boot at 380L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6e has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda 6e makes the most power at 190kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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