BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
BMW X1
BMW’s compact premium SUV.
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes' compact SUV 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 (petrol) or 20d (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
|
| Width |
1,82 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,60 m
|
1,61 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the Mini Countryman) | 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 | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual | 7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
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
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
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
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-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
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW X1
89 for sale · from € 6.990
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
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