BMW X4 F26 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

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

xDrive28i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	245 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	350 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,4 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	232 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	179 g/km	140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,2 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	500 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.400 L	1.430 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,81 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,67 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	F25 (F26, xDrive)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

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 X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

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 X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

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 X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.

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.