BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

Under the hood, the BMW X1 employs a 2.0liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline4 engine that produces 241 horsepower between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm and 295 lbft of torque from just 1,500 rpm up to 4,000 rpm. That allows the X1 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 6.3 seconds, giving it noticeably brisker acceleration and stronger midrange punch.  

By comparison, the MercedesBenz GLA 250’s 2.0liter turbocharged inline4, aided by a 48volt mildhybrid system, makes 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lbft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm, delivering a 0–60 mph time of about 6.8 seconds. That 20 horsepower and 37 lbft advantage gives the X1 a more responsive feel in everyday driving and a sportier edge when you want it. 

Step inside the BMW X1, and you’ll find 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to an impressive 57.2 cubic feet once they’re folded flat. The X1’s load floor remains relatively flat, and the wide opening makes storing larger items like golf bags or weekend luggage easy. In the front, occupants enjoy 40.4 inches of legroom, while rear passengers have 37.0 inches—ample room for adults on longer journeys.  

The Mercedes Benz GLA, by contrast, offers about 17.4 cubic feet behind its rear seats and around 50.5 cubic feet with the front seats folded.  

The BMW X1 greets you with a seamlessly integrated Curved Display that combines a 10.25inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7inch touchscreen running BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, allow you to control navigation, climate, and media by voice. At the same time, remote software upgrades via overtheair updates keep your system current. 

The MercedesBenz GLA features dual 10.25inch widescreens for gauges and infotainment, wireless smartphone integration, the “Hey, Mercedes” MBUX Voice Assistant, and wireless charging. Yet the X1’s Curved Display creates a more immersive cockpit, and its iDrive 8 interface is consistently lauded for intuitive menus, making everyday interactions feel smoother and more natural. 

Every BMW X1 comes equipped with Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Collision Prevention as standard features. You can further enhance safety with the Active Driving Assistant package, which adds Extended Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Change Warning for added peace of mind in heavy traffic.  

The MercedesBenz GLA’s standard safety suite includes Blind Spot Assist, Frontal Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and ATTENTION ASSIST® driver drowsiness monitoring. While both offer robust protection, BMW’s inclusion of Rear Collision Prevention and the availability of advanced driveraid upgrades give the X1 an edge in comprehensive safety coverage.