X1 vs GLA
The X1 and the GLA are direct rivals in the subcompact luxury suv class, one from BMW and one from Mercedes-Benz. If you were hoping for a knockout, this isn’t it. The X1 and the GLA stay within reach of each other almost everywhere.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLA wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X1 has 20 hp more power
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the X1 leads 241 hp to 221 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The X1 has 37 lb-ft more torque
The difference is minor (295 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the X1 wins it. The X1’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The GLA has better city fuel economy
The X1 comes close with 24 mpg; the GLA does slightly better with 26 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
In the engine & performance category, the X1 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The X1 comes with 20 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the X1 has the edge.
Total system output
X1: 241 hp GLA: 221 hp The X1’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
X1: 295 lb-ft GLA: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLA leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the GLA. The GLA stands out with better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the GLA has the better rating here. In short, the GLA is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (city)
X1: 24 mpg GLA: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GLA starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the X1 and the GLA barely differ. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the X1’s and the GLA’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 34 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X1 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (241 hp vs 221 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other BMW products
Choose the GLA if…
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you’re comfortable with how Mercedes-Benz does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X1 or the GLA?
There’s no single right answer. The X1 leads on engine & performance and the GLA on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on BMW’s X1 versus Mercedes-Benz’s GLA. Honestly, 20 hp more power on the X1 does a lot of the persuading for me. The GLA’s strongest argument is better city fuel economy.
Who should get which? The X1 for engine & performance, the GLA for fuel economy & range.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since engine & performance means the X1 and fuel economy & range means the GLA.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.