BMW X5 G05 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

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

B58 40i · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	340 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	650 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,92 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	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 X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/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 X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

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 X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

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 X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

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.