X2 vs GLA
The X2 and the GLA are two different answers to the same subcompact luxury suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X2 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 X2 has 20 hp more power
The GLA isn’t far behind at 221 hp, but the X2’s 241 hp still comes out ahead. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The X2 has 37 lb-ft more torque
A narrow win for the X2. With 295 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The GLA has better city fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the GLA lists 26 mpg and the X2 lists 24 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GLA starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X2 leads
The X2 is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. On the X2, you get 20 hp more power. The X2’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the X2.
Total system output
X2: 241 hp GLA: 221 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
X2: 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
This area is close, with the GLA just ahead of the X2. The GLA answers with better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the GLA is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (city)
X2: 24 mpg GLA: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the GLA has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The X2 and the GLA match each other closely in this area. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The X2 and the GLA differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X2 | 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 | X2 | 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 | X2 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X2 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X2 | 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 X2 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 know your way around BMW’s products
Choose the GLA if…
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 24 mpg in the city)
- you already use other Mercedes-Benz products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X2 or the GLA?
It depends on your priorities: the X2 is stronger on engine & performance, while the GLA leads on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: BMW’s X2 against Mercedes-Benz’s GLA. What tips it for me is that the X2 has 20 hp more power. Don’t write off the GLA entirely: it has better city fuel economy.
Fit matters more than scores here. The X2 suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the GLA suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the X2 if engine & performance is a daily concern, otherwise the GLA for its fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.