BMW iX1 L vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
Verdict
For Malaysian buyers, the BMW iX1 L offers a compelling electric alternative at RM 252,800, with a robust 201 hp from its single motor and an impressive EV range of 433 km. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, priced slightly higher at RM 258,888, provides a petrol engine with 161 hp and a more traditional driving experience, but lacks the eco-friendly benefits of the iX1 L.
Pick the BMW iX1 L if you prefer an electric vehicle with a longer range and more power.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you value a petrol engine and a slightly sportier driving experience.
Key differences
- Price: RM 252,800 (BMW iX1 L) vs RM 258,888 (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
- Power: 201 hp (BMW iX1 L) vs 161 hp (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
- EV range: 433 km (BMW iX1 L) vs — (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
- Boot space: 490 L (BMW iX1 L) vs 435 L (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
- Warranty: 2 years (BMW iX1 L) vs 4 years (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
- Road tax: RM 160 (BMW iX1 L) vs RM 100 (Mercedes-Benz GLA)
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 252,800✓ | RM 258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Engine | Single motor | 1,332 cc |
| Power | 201 hp✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | — | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.6 s✓ | 8.7 s |
| Top speed | 175 km/h | 210 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 5.6 L/100km |
| Battery | 66.5 kWh | — |
| EV range | 433 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,616 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,611 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,802 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Boot space | 490 L✓ | 435 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 43 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 160 | RM 100✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
iX1 L
- Long EV range of 433 km
- More powerful with 201 hp
- Larger boot space at 490 L
- Shorter warranty period of 2 years
- Higher road tax at RM 160
GLA
- Longer warranty period of 4 years
- Lower road tax at RM 100
- Sportier driving experience with petrol engine
- Less power at 161 hp
- No EV range, reliant on petrol
iX1 L vs GLA FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 L or Mercedes-Benz GLA better?
The choice depends on your preference for electric versus petrol; the iX1 L excels in eco-friendliness and power, while the GLA offers a traditional driving experience.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 L is priced at RM 252,800, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA costs RM 258,888, making the GLA RM 6,088 more expensive.
What are the warranty periods for both models?
The BMW iX1 L comes with a 2-year warranty, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a more generous 4-year warranty.