Verdict
At RM250,800 against RM258,888, the BMW iX1 is RM8,088 cheaper yet brings a 66.5-kWh battery, 475 km EV range and a larger 490-litre boot. Its 204-hp motor also edges the 161-hp Mercedes-Benz GLA, although the sprint gap is just 0.1 seconds at 8.6 versus 8.7 seconds. The GLA makes more sense for buyers who need petrol refuelling and value its four-year manufacturer warranty, but its 435-litre boot and passive cruise control leave it behind the BMW on practicality and driver assistance.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you can charge an EV and want 475 km of rated range, a 490-litre boot and active cruise control with Stop&Go for less money.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if petrol convenience, 5.6 L/100 km rated economy and a four-year manufacturer warranty matter more than EV range and extra boot space.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888.
- Power and torque: BMW iX1 204 hp and 250 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm.
- Energy use: BMW iX1 has a 66.5-kWh battery and 475 km EV range; Mercedes-Benz GLA is rated at 5.6 L/100 km with a 43-litre tank.
- Performance: BMW iX1 does 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reaches 170 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLA records 8.7 seconds and 210 km/h.
- Boot space: BMW iX1 490 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLA 435 litres.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW iX1 2 years; Mercedes-Benz GLA 4 years.
iX1
- 475 km EV range from a 66.5-kWh battery.
- 490-litre boot, 55 litres more than the GLA.
- Blind-spot information, lane steering correction and active cruise control with Stop&Go.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years for the GLA.
- 170 km/h top speed versus the GLA's 210 km/h.
- 2,085 kg kerb weight versus 1,485 kg.
GLA
- 5.6 L/100 km rated petrol economy with a 43-litre fuel tank.
- Four-year manufacturer warranty.
- Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection up to 105 km/h.
- RM8,088 more expensive than the iX1.
- 435-litre boot is 55 litres smaller than the iX1's.
- Passive cruise control and no lane-keeping assist, against the iX1's Stop&Go active cruise and steering correction.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM250,800✓ | RM258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM100✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 161 hp |
| Torque | — | 250 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 204 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 475 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Getrag |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds✓ | 8.7 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 5.6 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 210 km/h✓ |
| 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 |
| Weight | 2,085 kg | 1,485 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 43 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 435 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Continental EcoContact6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | 2 on outer rear seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Front Collision Warning | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Driving Assistant Plus | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Driver | Power-adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | Front 12V, Qi Wireless charging tray | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | Dual front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | — |
| Audio | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Yes | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Electric | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes with 360 view | Yes, 360-degree Surround View |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant Plus | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | Add RM13,430 for 5 year warranty and service package, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
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.
Used iX1 & GLA for sale
iX1 vs GLA FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA better?
The BMW iX1 is the stronger choice if EV charging suits your routine: it is cheaper, has 475 km of rated range, more power and a larger boot. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA for petrol refuelling and its longer four-year manufacturer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 costs RM8,088 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How quickly can the BMW iX1 charge?
The BMW iX1 supports AC charging at up to 11 kW and DC charging at up to 130 kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is petrol-powered, so it does not use EV charging.