BMW X2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

BMW X2

BMW’s style-focused compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes' compact SUV on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the X2 for a stylish, agile compact crossover that drives sportier than an average SUV.

Best engine: The sDrive20i/xDrive20i (B48, 192 hp).

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

sDrive20i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	192 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,4 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	227 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	118,9 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	146 g/km	140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	470 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.355 L	1.430 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,73 m Winner
Length	4,36 m	4,41 m
Width	1,82 m	1,83 m
Height	1,51 m	1,61 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	UKL2 (shared with X1 F48 and 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 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic	7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual)
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X2

Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48 petrol)
EGR cooler fire-risk recall (B47 diesel)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

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 X2

Agile, sporty handling — more hot hatch than family SUV
Coupe-like, stylish design
Refined B48 petrol engines

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 X2

Less practical than the X1: smaller boot and tighter rear headroom
Firm ride, especially on M Sport suspension

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 X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.

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.