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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
