BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
BMW iX1
BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes' compact SUV on the MFA2 platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW iX1
Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.
Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.
Best engine: The GLA 200 (petrol) or GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
xDrive30 · Electric vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
313 hp
Winner
|
163 hp
|
| Torque |
494 Nm
Winner
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,6 s
Winner
|
8,7 s
|
| Top speed |
180 km/h
|
210 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
150,1 hp/t
Winner
|
110,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
140 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
490 L
Winner
|
435 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.495 L
Winner
|
1.430 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,73 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,50 m
|
4,41 m
|
| Width |
1,85 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,61 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W177, B-Class W247 and CLA C118) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive) | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio) | 7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual) |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW iX1
- Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
- Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
- 12V battery can drain when parked
Mercedes-Benz GLA
- M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- 7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)
Pros
BMW iX1
- Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
- Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
- Quiet, refined ride, typically electric
Mercedes-Benz GLA
- 435 L boot growing to ~1,430 L — roomy for a subcompact SUV
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.8 L/100 km)
- MFA2 platform with MBUX and optional 4MATIC
- GLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW iX1
- Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
- Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1
Mercedes-Benz GLA
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
—
—
—
—
—
For sale at dealers
BMW iX1
13 for sale · from € 34.390
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · Panoramic roof · Camera · CarPlay…
€ 34.390
Falcomotive
Falcomotive
BMW iX1 xDrive30 · electric · M-Sport · 360° camera · CarPlay ·…
€ 40.499
Exclusive Car Design BV
Exclusive Car Design BV
BMW iX1 electric · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 36.900
Knokke Cars bv
Knokke Cars bv
BMW iX1 eDrive20 · electric · M-Sport · Camera · CarPlay · LED …
€ 45.680
EV Blue Automobile
EV Blue Automobile
Mercedes-Benz GLA
15 for sale · from € 14.750
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 25.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG · Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
€ 34.990
idCAR
idCAR
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Camera · CarPlay · Leather
€ 15.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
€ 39.990
Garage Carrera Cars
Garage Carrera Cars
