Comparison: BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

Here's the perfect comparison between the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA to help you pick the best entry-level luxury SUV.
Last updated 1 year ago
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Last updated 1 year ago

The BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA are two of the most popular entry-level luxury SUVs. The luxury car space is filled with many models from multiple brands at different price levels. The entry-level luxury SUV segment is one of the most affordable segments with prices starting from around Rs. 40 lakh. In this space, the three common players are the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi Q3. The competition is between these three SUVs. Both the X1 and the GLA have been around for some years now and have established a name for themselves. 

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BMW X1

The BMW X1 is touted as the more sportier option while the GLA combines sportiness with luxury. Both these SUVs have been updated recently with a fresh face and the addition of a lot of features. But it is not easy to pick between these two as both the brands have given in their best. Most entry-level luxury buyers will be first-time buyers for the respective brands and so creating an impression is a priority for these brands. So, we take a look at the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA to find out which SUV suits your use case better: 

BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Dimensions

Dimensions

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Length

4500 mm

4410 mm  

Width 

1845 mm

2020 mm

Height

1630 mm

1611 mm

Wheelbase

2692 mm

2729 mm

Ground Clearance

183 mm

183 mm

Boot Space

476 litres

435 litres

The BMW X1 is the longer SUV here, and it also sits the highest at 1630 mm. Furthermore, it comes with a bigger boot at 476 litres. On the other hand, the GLA is the wider SUV,with a longer wheelbase. Both these SUVs have identical ground clearance at 183mm. In terms of size and dimensions, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA are closer than the numbers suggest. Even if one SUV is leading the other, the margin is not substantial and both these SUVs are more or less equally matched. The only parameter which can be taken into consideration is the boot space where the X1 leads by offering 40 liters of extra room. 

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BMW X1

BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Engine & Transmission

Parameters

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Engine Options

1.5-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo diesel

1.3-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo diesel

Transmission Options

7-speed DCT/7-speed AT

7-speed DCT/8-speed DCT

Power 

136 PS/ 150PS

163 PS/ 190 PS

Torque

230Nm/360Nm

250Nm/400Nm

Mileage

16.35kmpl to 20.37 kmpl

17.4kmpl to 18.9 kmpl

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1 are offered with a petrol and a diesel engine, unlike the Audi Q3. The BMW makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a 7-speed DCT. The Mercedes uses a 1.3-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel coupled with a 7-speed DCT. However, looking at the output figures of both SUVs, it is pretty evident that the GLA leads with a good margin as both the petrol and diesel engine develop more power and torque than the BMW. The only area where the GLA lags behind is the fuel economy. Another important thing to be noted is that the GLA is available in an AWD format with the diesel engine which BMW misses out on. So, overall, it’s an easy win for the Mercedes-Benz GLA in terms of powertrain setup. 

Mercedes-Benz-GLA
Mercedes-Benz-GLA

BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Features & Comfort

Features

BMW X1 

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Infotainment system

10.7-inch touchscreen

10.25-inch touchscreen

Music system

Yes

Yes

Climate control

Yes

Yes

Ventilated seats

Yes

Yes

Adjustable steering

Yes

Yes

Drive modes

Yes

Yes

Instrument cluster

Digital

Digital

Sunroof

Panoramic

Panoramic

Adjustable seats (manual or electric)

Electric

Electric

Rear AC vents

Yes

Yes

60:40 rear seat split

Yes

Yes

Cruise control

Yes

Yes

As we normally expect from a luxury SUV, all the important features are covered by these SUVs without any misses. Both SUVs offer a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is a norm today, followed by a panoramic sunroof and electric seats. Some feature highlights in the BMW X1 are the curved display, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and 205 Watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The GLA, on the other hand, offers 64-colour ambient lighting,two-zone automatic climate control, and connected car features

BMW X1 interior

BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Safety Features

Features

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

NCAP Safety Rating

5 Star (Euro NCAP)

NA

Airbags

6

7 (extra driver knee airbag)

ABS with EBD

Yes

Yes

ESC

Yes

Yes

Traction control

Yes

Yes

Automatic headlamp 

Yes

Yes

Rain-sensing wipers

Yes

Yes

Hill hold assist

Yes

Yes

Hill descent control

Yes

Yes

Rear sensors

Yes

Yes

Rear parking camera

Yes

Yes

ISOFIX Child seat anchor points

Yes

Yes

ADAS

No

No

The BMW X1 and the X1 are closely matched when it comes to safety kits as well. Both SUVs have enough airbags on offer but the GLA offers one extra airbag in the form of a driver’s knee airbag. However, the BMW X1 aces ahead with a 5-star Euro NCAP while the GLA is yet to be tested. Otherwise, both SUVs have an equal number of safety features and it is hard to pick one here.

Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes-Benz GLA

BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Price Comparison

Variants

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Base Variants 

Rs 45.90 lakh

Rs 48.46 lakh

Mid Variants

Rs 47.90 lakh

-

Upper Mid Variants

Rs 48.90 lakh

Rs 49.96 lakh

Top Variants

Rs 50.90 lakh

Rs 52.66 lakh

In terms of pricing, it is easier to pick one of these duos. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is easily around Rs. 2 lakh dearer than the BMW X1 irrespective of the variant or engine-gearbox combination. The BMW is priced between Rs. 45.90 lakh and Rs 50.90 lakh and the Mercedes is priced between Rs 48.46 lakh and Rs 52.66 lakh. For that extra money, you get more powerful engine options in the Mercedes-Benz along with an AWD option that the BMW misses out on. But if you want an urban SUV that does everything well, the BMW X1 at this price point is hard to resist although it lacks a bit of punch in contrast. 

Summary

If we just go by the pricing, we have a clear winner, the BMW X1 which is almost Rs. 2 lakh cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. However, the Mercedes-Benz offers substantially more performance in both petrol and diesel versions along with the option of an AWD system which clearly makes it the choice if you prefer a luxury SUV with performance. The BMW X1 does everything right although it lacks outright output figures and comes with a cheaper price tag which is something we cannot ignore. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want and if you want performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear choice, especially the diesel+AWD combination. But if you want an entry-level luxury SUV that will primarily be confined to urban spaces, you cannot go wrong with the BMW X1. 

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