BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
Verdict
The BMW iX1 is the cleaner break from the norm: RM250,800 buys a 204 hp front-drive EV with a 66.5 kWh battery, 475 km range and a bigger 490-litre boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLA costs RM258,888 and stays petrol, with 161 hp, 250 Nm, 5.6 L/100 km and a 43-litre tank. They are almost tied to 100 km/h, at 8.6 versus 8.7 seconds, so the choice is less about pace and more about charging access, warranty cover and boot space.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you can charge at home or work and want the 475 km EV range, larger 490-litre boot and lower RM250,800 price.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want petrol convenience, a longer four-year warranty and the facelifted cabin tech with the latest MBUX system.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888
- Powertrain: BMW iX1 single electric motor; Mercedes-Benz GLA 1,332 cc petrol engine
- Power: BMW iX1 204 hp; Mercedes-Benz GLA 161 hp
- 0-100 km/h: BMW iX1 8.6 s; Mercedes-Benz GLA 8.7 s
- Boot space: BMW iX1 490 L; Mercedes-Benz GLA 435 L
- Warranty: BMW iX1 2 years; Mercedes-Benz GLA 4 years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800✓ | 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 | 204 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 | 170 km/h | 210 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 5.6 L/100km |
| Battery | 66.5 kWh | — |
| EV range | 475 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,611 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 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
- 475 km EV range from a 66.5 kWh battery
- 204 hp and slightly quicker 8.6 s century sprint
- Bigger 490-litre boot
- Shorter 2-year warranty
- Lower 170 km/h top speed
- Charging access matters more than with a petrol SUV
GLA
- Four-year warranty
- Petrol range convenience with a 43-litre tank
- Facelift gets the latest MBUX system
- Smaller 435-litre boot
- Less power at 161 hp
- Costs RM8,088 more
iX1 vs GLA FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA better?
For most EV-ready buyers, the BMW iX1 has the stronger numbers: 204 hp, 475 km range and 490 litres of boot space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the easier pick if you want petrol refuelling and a four-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 is RM8,088 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, at RM250,800 versus RM258,888.
Which one is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
The BMW iX1 is just quicker, taking 8.6 seconds against the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s 8.7 seconds. In daily driving, that 0.1-second gap is too small to matter.