BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class - which is better?

The content of the article:

• Exterior of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
• Interior design BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
• Specifications BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
• Driving performance of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
• Cost and level of equipment BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

In the lineup of both companies, the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class are the most affordable representatives of the SUV class. Therefore, we simply could not help but compare these cars to try to find out which one is the best choice. And what came of it - read on.

Release date

In 2013, the Mercedes GLA-class was presented to the world public, which became the first brainchild of the company in the compact crossover segment.

In 2017, as part of the Detroit Motor Show, the Mercedes management presented an updated version of the car, which received a corrected appearance, an expanded list of equipment, as well as an upgraded technical component.

The debut of the first generation BMW X1 took place back in 2009. In 2014, the car underwent a small update, and a year later the second generation of the model was presented to the automotive world.

During the update, the car received a more attractive appearance, an improved interior, as well as an updated line of power plants.

Exterior of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Both cars have a bright, modern and dynamic appearance. However, this is not surprising, because their target audience is young people.

Thus, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class flaunts an attractive head optics, a stylish false radiator grille, a tightened profile and an expressive stern, complemented by a small spoiler and a stylish pseudo-diffuser.

The BMW X1 is also not lagging behind, offering customers a formidable "face" with a pair of branded air intake nostrils, a dynamic profile and a monumental stern, made in the style of "older brothers" in the model range.

The external dimensions of both models are as follows:

The ground clearance height prevails in BMW - 183 mm versus 154 mm, so the former looks preferable for driving on domestic roads, which, as you know, are not famous for their high quality.

Interior design BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The interior of the monitored crossovers is made in the same vein with other models of each of the companies, which is good news. The quality of materials and assembly are not questionable. True, it is worth noting that in Mercedes finishing materials are still a cut above both visually and tactilely.

The front dashboard of BMW meets with a well-read dashboard, a plump and easy-to-grip multifunction steering wheel, as well as a 6.5 or 8.8-inch media center monitor, proudly towering above the central panel.

Directly below the monitor is a separate control unit for music and air conditioning. The front seats provide a comfortable fit and ample adjustments.

Landing - high, which is extremely rare among the "Bavarians". The second row of seats easily accommodates three passengers, and even if you sit behind the front rider, whose height is within 180-185 cm, the knees of the rear passenger will not rest against the back of the seat.

The volume of the trunk is 505 liters, but folding the backs of the second row, you can count on 1550 liters.

In front of the Mercedes driver, the manufacturer has placed a stylish instrument panel and a comfortable 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel. In the central part of the dashboard, a 7-inch screen of the media complex is installed (it rises above the dashboard), and directly below it is the music and climate control unit.

The front seats provide the highest level of comfort, while the sporty seating position is low. But the second row of seats is less hospitable than that of the "Bavarian", although there can also be three riders.

The volume of the luggage compartment is 421 liters as standard (optionally 481 liters), and with the backs of the rear sofa down, it increases to 1235 liters.

Specifications BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The range of power plants available for the BMW X1 in Russia is represented by 6 engines:

• 1.5-liter petrol engine of the xDrive 18i series, generating 136 hp. with. and 220 Nm of thrust;
• 2-liter petrol xDrive 20i with 192 hp. and 280 Nm of torque;
• 2-liter petrol xDrive 25i, reproducing 231 "horses" and 350 Nm of torque;
• 2-liter xDrive 18d diesel, developing 150 hp. and a peak thrust of 330 Nm.
• 2-liter 190-horsepower xDrive 20d diesel;
• 2-liter diesel xDrive 25d, allowing to squeeze out 231 "horses" and a peak torque of 450 Nm.

The younger diesel is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the rest of the engines got an 8-range "automatic" Steptronic.

Almost all versions of motors (except for the younger versions) are equipped with a proprietary all-wheel drive system.

The line of Mercedes power plants is much more modest and is represented by only two gasoline engines:

• 1.6-liter 150-horsepower installation, reproducing 250 Nm of thrust;
• 2-liter engine with a capacity of 211 liters. and 350 Nm of torque.

Regardless of the type of engine, they are paired with a 7-speed "robot". But the all-wheel drive system is available exclusively for the "older" version, while the "younger" has to be content with front-wheel drive.

Driving performance of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

As befits a "Bavarian" X1 has a truly driver's habits, and this is manifested not only in the sharp steering, but also in the instant reaction to the gas pedal.

BMW X1 perfectly copes with winding sections of the road, although on a straight line it "prowls" a little.

The Mercedes GLA-class also boasts excellent handling, although the car is conducive to a quieter and more relaxed ride. On a straight line, the crossover from Stuttgart is stable and unshakable, but on a winding track it loses a little to the “Bavarian”.

If we talk about off-road qualities, then it should be noted right away that neither the first nor the second hero of the comparison is adapted for conquering off-road terrain, however, on uneven road surfaces, Mercedes predictably looks more advantageous.

It is also worth noting the fact that the "Bavarian" is noticeably inferior to the GLA in terms of interior noise insulation.

Cost and level of equipment BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The minimum cost of a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in Russia starts from 2.21 million rubles. For this money, the buyer can count on the following equipment:

• external mirrors with electric drive and heating;
• LED direction indicators;
• head optics automatic activation system;
• power windows for all doors;
• seat belts;
• Isofix fasteners;
• automatic climate control;
• first row seat heating system;
• light-alloy rollers R18;
• combined finishing (eco-leather / fabric);
• front and frontal airbags;
• ABS, ESP, BAS systems;
• immobilizer;
• parking assistant;
• audio system and much more.

The price of the BMW X1 starts at 2.02 million rubles, for which the car is equipped with:

• 17 ”alloy wheels;
• interior fabric trim;
• systems ABS, ASC, DTC, DBC, EDLC;
• rain sensors and light sensors;
• multi-wheel;
• audio system with 6 speakers;
• 6.5 "monitor on the central dashboard;
• fog lights;
• air conditioner;
• seat heating system for front riders;
• on-board computer, etc.

It is also worth noting that Mercedes will cost more not only in the minimum, but also in the maximum configuration.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that we did our best to identify the winner, it is not so easy to do this, since each of the cars has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Moreover, X1 and GLA were created for certain categories of potential buyers (albeit youth), which have completely different needs. Therefore, we state a combat draw.