BMW X1 E84 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

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

N20 20i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	184 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	270 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	205 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km	140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	420 L	435 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L	1.430 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,76 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,45 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

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 X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

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 X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

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

Driving experience

BMW X1

—

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.