BMW X1 F48 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

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 (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 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

B48 20i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	192 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	226 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	127,6 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	505 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,73 m Winner
Length	4,44 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m	11,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

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

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

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 (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

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

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.

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.