BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are two extremely popular entry-level luxury SUVs. The luxury car market is highly competitive, with numerous models from different brands available at varying prices. One of the least expensive markets is the entry-level luxury SUV segment, with a starting price of around Rs. 40 lakh. It comprises three typical rivals, including the BMW X1 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLA India, and the Audi Q3.
The sportier tag is given to the BMW X1, while the GLA promises a blend of sportiness and luxury. These two SUVs have also just received a new face and the addition of a plethora of features.
So, in this blog, we’ll compare and contrast the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA and get an idea about which SUV is better suited for your use case.
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BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Dimensions
| Dimensions | BMW X1 2025 | Mercedes-Benz GLA India |
| Length | 4500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Width | 1845 mm | 2020 mm |
| Height | 1642 mm (updated) | 1611 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2692 mm | 2729 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 183 mm | 183 mm |
| Boot Space | 476 litres | 435 litres |
The longest and highest SUV in this comparison is the BMW X1, which is also the highest at 1642 mm. It also has a larger boot capacity of 476 litres. However, the GLA is a smaller SUV and also smaller on a shorter wheelbase. These two SUVs are evenly matched in terms of ground clearance, at 183mm. When considering dimensions and size, the nearest comparable models are the BMW X1 2025 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA India. It does not matter if there is a lead by any SUV from another because the difference is not too large, and these two SUVs are pretty evenly matched. One thing that does play a role and can actually be factored in is boot space. Here, there is a lead of 40 litres by the X1.
BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Engine & Transmission
| Parameters | BMW X1 2025 | Mercedes-Benz GLA India |
| Engine Options | 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo diesel | 1.3-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT / 8-speed DCT |
| Power | 136 PS / 150 PS | 163 PS / 190 PS |
| Torque | 230 Nm / 360 Nm | 250 Nm / 400 Nm |
| Mileage | 16.3–20.3 kmpl (updated) | 17.4–18.9 kmpl (updated) |
Both Mercedes-Benz GLA India and BMW X1 2025 are powered by petrol and diesel engine variants, as compared to the Audi Q3. The German automaker uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine, both paired with a 7-speed DCT. Mercedes offers a 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine, both paired with a 7-speed or 8-speed DCT, respectively.
However, suppose we plot both SUVs’ numbers on outputs. In that case, it’s pretty much evident that the GLA takes a significant lead because both petrol and diesel variants deliver more power and torque than its German rival. The only aspect that falls behind is fuel efficiency. Another interesting fact is that there’s an AWD variant available for the diesel-powered GLA, which is not offered on its German counterpart. So, on the whole, it’s a walkover from Mercedes-Benz GLA India’s end when considering powertrain configuration.
BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Features & Comfort
| Features | BMW X1 2025 | Mercedes-Benz GLA India |
| Infotainment System | 10.7-inch touchscreen | 10.25-inch touchscreen |
| Music System | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital | Digital |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Adjustable Seats | Electric | Electric |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 Rear Split | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
As we normally expect from an entry-level luxury SUV, these SUVs offer full coverage of basic features with no gaps. These SUVs feature a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment console, which is par for the course for today’s vehicles. Additionally, they include a panoramic sunroof and electric seats. Some notable features of the BMW X1 include its curved display screen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and a 205-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The GLA boasts 64-colour ambient lighting, two-zone automatic climate control, and connected car technologies.
BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Safety Features
| Features | BMW X1 2025 | Mercedes-Benz GLA India |
| NCAP Safety Rating | 5 Star (Euro NCAP) | NA (Not tested) |
| Airbags | 6 | 7 (extra driver knee airbag) |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamp | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Anchors | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | No | No |
The BMW X1 and the GLA are tied head-to-head in terms of safety features. These two SUVs just have enough airbags on the market, but there is an extra airbag from a driver’s knee airbag on offer from the GLA. However, the BMW X1 2025 has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, and there is currently no test available for the GLA. Other than that, the two SUVs offer the same number of safety features, making it very difficult to choose between them.
BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Price Comparison
| Variants | BMW X1 2025 | Mercedes-Benz GLA India |
| Base Variants | Rs 45.90 lakh | Rs 48.46 lakh |
| Mid Variants | Rs 47.90 lakh | – |
| Upper Mid Variants | Rs 48.90 lakh | Rs 49.96 lakh |
| Top Variants | Rs 50.90 lakh | Rs 52.66 lakh |
The Mercedes-Benz GLA in India is priced around Rs. 2 lakh higher than the BMW X1 2025, regardless of the variant or engine-gearbox combination. The price range for the BMW is Rs. 45.90 lakh to Rs. 50.90 lakh, and for the Mercedes, it is Rs. 48.46 lakh to Rs. 52.66 lakh. For that added cost, you get larger engine options from Mercedes-Benz and also an AWD variant that’s not available from BMW. However, if you’re looking for an urban SUV that excels in nearly every aspect, including comfort and road behavior, the BMW X1 at this price is hard to ignore, even if it lacks a bit of punch compared to others.
Conclusion
By sheer cost alone, we have a no-brainer champion, and that is the BMW X1 2025, which is approximately Rs. 2 lakh cheaper than its Mercedes-Benz GLA India. But the Mercedes-Benz offers you a whole lot more grunt on petrol and diesel, and gives you an AWD variant as well, and that outright tips the scales decisively if you want punch. The BMW X1 does everything perfectly, except for the numbers, and it also costs less, which we can’t deny.
It’s all about what you want, and if you want a punch, the Mercedes-Benz GLA India is the no-brainer choice, especially if you opt for the diesel and AWD variant. But if you want an entry-level luxury SUV that’s going to spend most of its time locked down within urban environments, you can’t go wrong with the BMW X1.
FAQs about BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
Q. Which SUV offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system?
A. Mercedes-Benz GLA India offers an AWD version for its diesel variant for better grip and stability. The 2025 BMW X1 does not have an AWD variant.
Q. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?
A. The new 2025 diesel variant of the BMW X1 has slightly better claimed mileage (∼20.3 kmpl) than the diesel variant of the GLA (∼18.9 kmpl). The petrol engines of the GLA’s 1.3-litre engine are slightly better than BMW’s 1.5-litre petrol.
Q. Does either SUV have ADAS safety features?
A. No. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 don’t come equipped with high-level driving assistance features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist in India.
Q. Which model has more boot space?
A. The 2025 BMW X1 offers 476 litres of boot capacity, 41 litres more than the 435 litres offered by the GLA.
Q. Which SUV is more affordable?
A. The 2025 BMW X1 is also more affordable across the range, and its starting prices are around Rs. 45.90 lakh. The Mercedes-Benz GLA in India typically commands around Rs. 2 lakh more because its engines are more capable and its AWD is standard.
