Verdict
At RM250,800, the BMW iX1 undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by RM8,088 while bringing a 204 hp, 250 Nm electric motor, a 66.5 kWh battery and 475 km claimed range. Its 490-litre boot is 55 litres larger, and Driving Assistant Plus adds blind-spot information, steering correction and active Stop&Go cruise. The GLA counters with a 161 hp/250 Nm 1.33-litre turbo petrol engine, 5.6 L/100 km rated economy and a four-year manufacturer warranty. It is 600 kg lighter and reaches 210 km/h, but is 0.1 seconds slower to 100 km/h.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you want EV driving, a 475 km claimed range, 490 litres of boot space and more driver-assistance hardware for RM8,088 less.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you prefer petrol power, a four-year manufacturer warranty, 5.6 L/100 km rated economy and a 210 km/h top speed.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888
- Powertrain: BMW iX1 204 hp/250 Nm electric motor; Mercedes-Benz GLA 161 hp/250 Nm 1.33-litre turbo petrol
- Range/economy: BMW iX1 475 km EV range; Mercedes-Benz GLA 5.6 L/100 km rated economy
- Boot space: BMW iX1 490 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLA 435 litres
- Warranty: BMW iX1 two years; Mercedes-Benz GLA four years
- Top speed: BMW iX1 170 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLA 210 km/h
iX1
- RM8,088 lower price
- 475 km claimed EV range with 11 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging
- Blind-spot information, lane steering correction and active Stop&Go cruise
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years
- 600 kg heavier at 2,085 kg versus 1,485 kg
- 170 km/h top speed versus 210 km/h
GLA
- Four-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty
- 5.6 L/100 km rated petrol economy
- 210 km/h top speed and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
- Costs RM8,088 more
- 435-litre boot is 55 litres smaller
- No blind-spot information system, lane-keeping assist or auto parking
| 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 | 3 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 for an EV buyer: it costs less, has 475 km claimed range, a larger 490-litre boot and more active assistance systems. Choose the GLA for petrol power, 5.6 L/100 km rated economy and its four-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 is RM8,088 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which has more boot space and better warranty cover?
The BMW iX1 has the larger boot at 490 litres against 435 litres. The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the longer manufacturer warranty at four years, compared with two years for the iX1.