BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
Verdict
These are both CKD, petrol, front-driven C-segment SUVs with wet dual-clutch automatics, but they split priorities clearly. The BMW X1 has the stronger 1,998 cc engine, with 201 hp and 300 Nm, so its 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time is well ahead of the GLA’s 8.7 seconds. It also carries more luggage, at 476 litres versus 435 litres. The Mercedes-Benz GLA fights back with 5.6 L/100 km economy, RM100 road tax, seven airbags and a four-year warranty. The BMW is keener; the Mercedes is lighter on running costs.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want the quicker SUV, the bigger boot and the stronger engine output.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if lower fuel use, cheaper road tax, more airbags and a longer warranty matter more.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888
- Engine output: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm
- Acceleration: BMW X1 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLA in 8.7 seconds
- Fuel economy: BMW X1 7.2 L/100 km; Mercedes-Benz GLA 5.6 L/100 km
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLA 435 litres
- Warranty and road tax: BMW X1 2 years and RM439/year; Mercedes-Benz GLA 4 years and RM100/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800✓ | RM 258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,332 cc |
| Power | 201 hp✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 s✓ | 8.7 s |
| Top speed | 236 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km✓ |
| 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 | 476 L✓ | 435 L |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | 43 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | 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.
X1
- Stronger 201 hp and 300 Nm engine
- Quicker 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 476-litre boot
- Higher 7.2 L/100 km fuel use
- RM439 annual road tax
- Shorter 2-year warranty
GLA
- Lower 5.6 L/100 km fuel economy figure
- Cheaper RM100 annual road tax
- Longer 4-year warranty
- Less power at 161 hp and 250 Nm
- Slower 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 435-litre boot
X1 vs GLA FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA better?
The BMW X1 is better for performance and luggage space, with 201 hp, 300 Nm and a 476-litre boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is better for running costs and coverage, with 5.6 L/100 km economy, RM100 road tax and a four-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM250,800, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA costs RM258,888. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA RM8,088 dearer before considering running costs such as road tax.
Which one is more practical for daily use?
The BMW X1 has the larger boot at 476 litres, but the Mercedes-Benz GLA has the longer wheelbase at 2,729 mm and uses less fuel at 5.6 L/100 km. Choose based on cargo space or fuel cost.