Once more, the spec sheet suggests more parallels than actual experience reveals. The Mercedes and BMW both have 2.0-liter turbo-four engines that produce 221 and 228 horsepower, respectively, and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both are connected to eight-speed automatic transmissions: the GLA has a dual-clutch transmission, while the X1 has a conventional planetary transmission with a torque converter. In this comparison, AWD is an option on both cars. The X1’s 0-60 mph time was previously measured at 6.8 seconds, and we predict the GLA will be within a decimal point. The GLA and X1 are both rated by the EPA at 24/33 mpg city/highway and 23/31 mpg respectively.
The X1 is sportier, but it doesn’t drive any better, which is kind of amusing. Similar to many contemporary BMWs, handling feels unnatural and dispassionate. Ogbac stated: “The X1 has less body roll, but I still don’t trust it because the steering wheel provides no feedback. It’s just too heavy and numb.” As an SUV, the X1 presents itself as athletic. Driving it like one, however, seems a little dubious.
BMW’s xDrive AWD technology appears ready to provide power to the rear axle as it ascends a set of switchbacks—once the engine decides to create power, that is. It takes some time for boost to develop, and it doesn’t help that the transmission is reluctant to downshift into the powerband. Even when we are running in sport or manual mode, acceleration feels distant.
The revamped GLA, in contrast to its high-riding hot hatch predecessor, seems genuinely SUV-like. When you hurl it into a corner, Ogbac warned, “Don’t get too excited because it will roll all over the place.” But the nicely weighted, precise steering checks that keel. Although it feels less nimble, the GLA’s handling conveys a sense of predictable steadiness.
The drivetrain of the GLA is substantially better. Although not thrilling, its acceleration proves to be more than adequate. The quick-thinking transmission, which would quickly lower gears to cook up power, helps the engine feel polished and smooth. However, at low speeds, that dual-clutch clunks and stumbles a little.
The BMW’s brakes modulate more precisely, but the pedal also makes an excessive hydraulic noise that the Mercedes’ does not. This caught our attention more than any variation in braking performance.
The X1 feels sportier than the GLA because it turns in quicker and corners more flatly than the other two. However, the GLA’s improved poise and skillful drivetrain let us to push it just as hard. For enjoyable driving, we eventually favor the Mercedes. Look, considering that they are subcompact SUVs, neither feels truly sporty. But you also want luxury, right?
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Verdict
With this new GLA, Mercedes has done practically everything right, making it bigger in the appropriate places, providing comfort and safety to its occupants, and making driving enjoyable for the person in control. Being new also means that the GLA now resembles its larger brothers more, which helps it distinguish itself from the A-Class, something that the previous generation vehicle was unable to do. In contrast, the BMW X1 places more of an emphasis on the driver than on the passengers it is transporting. To be honest, only a new generation with improved tech, interior, and appearance will put it on par with the GLA.
Even though the BMW X1 was the greatest driver’s car in the test, the Mercedes GLA emerged as the most comfortable vehicle, even if the newer Mercedes GLA wins the road test.
Polished German Starter Packs: Pricing and Analysis
There are far worse ways to enter the premium market for first-time purchasers than with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. They both have most of the modern features seen in their larger siblings, they appear elegant, and there is enough room for families or couples. Although the turbocharged four-cylinder engines won’t blow you away, they do offer the necessary balance of power and efficiency for this market.
So, should you wait for the brand-new X1 or rush straight to your local Mercedes showroom? The GLA is Mercedes’ most economical crossover with a starting price of $36,400 for FWD models. Additionally, you can upgrade to AWD or the powerful GLA 35 and GLA 45 models. We don’t yet know how much the new X1 will cost or if there will be any additional variants available outside the xDrive28i.
The GLA 250 4Matic will face off against the xDrive28i when apples-to-apples comparisons are made. The BMW’s standard Curved Display is prettier than the GLA’s base entertainment system, plus it has greater horsepower and acceleration. We also think the X1 has a sharper design, although that is a question of personal preference. Although the GLA is a capable crossover that is not at all embarrassed by its more recent opponent, we would hold off until the X1 is released.
Does the GLA outperform the X3?
Raj is who I am. The vehicle in use is a 2021 Tata Safari XZA+. Range Rover Evoque, BMW 320d (F30), Porsche Cayenne diesel, Audi A4 2.0 tdi, and more vehicles were previously owned. Want to purchase a high-end SUV that will largely be used in cities, with only one 600 km national highway excursion each month.
Taking into consideration the BMW X3 30i MSport and Mercedes-Benz GLA 220D 4matic. Despite not being in the same segment, both of these are on my list of the top candidates. Several more vehicles were taken into consideration and eliminated from portions above and below. I’ll be the only passenger in the automobile and I’ll be the one driving it. I’m looking for recommendations on the best vehicle for my needs and the best vehicle overall for 90% city driving and 10% interstate driving.
What GTO had to say about it was as follows:
Not even a dialogue exists here. All-out BMW X3 support. In practically every respect, it surpasses the GLA by a wide margin.
- Larger, with more room, pleasant to drive, and of much higher quality. It comes from a prior section.
- In the past, you’ve owned some extremely luxurious vehicles. I don’t think the GLA will make you happy. Considering your past experiences with cars, you’ll quickly grow bored with it even if you bring it home right away.
What BHPian NarediAni7518 has to say about it is as follows:
In comparison to the GLA, the X3 is a model that excels in every way. It is significantly bigger, more powerful, newer, and feels like a true luxury SUV, in contrast to the GLA, which is simply too small for the price at which it is offered. Additionally, compared to the GLA, the X3’s materials are of far higher quality. Proceed with the X3, as I would advise.
What BHPian adi.mariner has to say about it is as follows:
There is no need to even consider the GLA if you can afford the X3. Since the room and engine given with the X3 are significantly superior to those of the GLA, there is really no comparison at all.
Which is superior, a BMW or a Mercedes?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
Are Mercedes GLA vehicles dependable?
Is the GLA from Mercedes-Benz dependable? The expected reliability rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is 73 out of 100. J.D. Power predicts that reliability scores will range from 91 to 100, with 91 to 100 being the best, 81 to 90 being great, 70 to 80 being medium, and 0-69 being fair and below average.
GLA: Is it larger than X1?
Given that the X1 and GLA are about the same size, you might assume from the specifications that Germany has a subcompact crossover clone machine. Despite being redesigned, which increased dimensions practically everywhere, the GLA is only slightly shorter in length than the BMW despite being an inch and a half taller and wider.
The GLA has more legroom than the X1, but the X1 has more headroom in both rows. We noted the GLA’s enormous 4.5 inch increase in back legroom right away for 2021. “The back seats are now useable. I can actually sit comfortably behind myself “said Associate Online Editor Stefan Ogbac, a 6-footer. Being that I am almost 7 feet tall, it surprises me that I can squeeze behind him as well.
We both experience a fairly tight fit in the X1’s back seat. Ogbac noted that although there is undoubtedly greater cargo space, there is a minor reduction in legroom in the back seats as a result. The BMW does, in fact, have a larger trunk and underfloor storage. However, neither of our test vehicles has a spare tire.
Thus, the GLA feels larger than the X1, which is more functional. At a standstill, that’s a fair tie, but as we got moving, the tide swiftly shifted in our favor.
which is stronger? Mercedes or a BMW?
Security and dependability With 12 quality and reliability awards from J.D. Power between 2019 and 2021, BMW stands itself as the most reliable automaker overall. Mercedes-Benz, in contrast, only received two dependability awards and one quality award throughout the same period.
Mercedes or BMW, whose price is higher?
In reality, you might be considering whether Mercedes-Benz is superior to BMW. Mercedes-Benz new cars frequently cost less, especially at the entry level. Not to mention, you’ll get more features, power, and efficiency for your money.
Are Mercedes GLA maintenance costs high?
During the first ten years of ownership, a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class will require roughly $13,781 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $1,933 more expensive than the luxury SUV model industry average. Additionally, there is a 42.69% likelihood that a GLA-Class will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to comparable vehicles in this sector, this is 3.13% worse. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Are Mercedes and BMW less expensive to maintain?
BMWs are by far the most expensive car manufacturer to repair, claims Your Mechanic. The competition is not even close. With an average maintenance cost of $17,800 over ten years, BMW comes in #1. Mercedes-Benz came in second with an average maintenance cost of $12,900 during a 10-year period. In contrast, the typical Toyota only cost $5,500 to maintain during a 10-year period because they are recognized for requiring less maintenance.
According to Your Mechanic, such high maintenance costs are usual in German premium vehicles. Audi comes in sixth with an average $12,400 maintenance expense over a 10-year period. This is primarily a result of the pricey, high-end parts that these luxury vehicles require. Naturally, it will cost a lot of money to fix those pieces when they break or need maintenance.
However, while being premium vehicles, they also have ongoing problems. For instance, according to Your Mechanic, a BMW is four times more likely to not start than a typical automobile. It was ranked seventh overall as a result. Additionally, the window regulator on the BMW required replacement 18 times more frequently than the window regulator on the ordinary car.
What is the GLA like in comparison?
The Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 are two of the closest and most prominent rivals for Mercedes’ GLA Class, despite the fact that there are numerous similar takes on the subcompact luxury SUV that will be available in 2021. The three rivals differ in various areas even if they have some things in common.
All three vehicles use an intercooled turbo inline-four gasoline engine, which puts them close together when comparing engines. The Audi, however, uses normal fuel instead of premium fuel like the Mercedes and BMX use. Really not much of a difference, although it does cause the Audi’s fuel efficiency to slightly decline. The Audi only achieves 30 mpg, compared to the GLA Class’s 34 highway mpg and the BMW’s 33 highway mpg.
While the Audi has all-wheel drive, the Mercedes and BMW are also front-wheel drive SUVs. It really comes down to personal opinion because each of these drivetrains has advantages of its own. The all-wheel drive model is better for traction and enables for compensating in situations where slippage may occur, despite the fact that the front-wheel drive model is simpler, cheaper, and easier to maintain. It also improves fuel economy.
These three models share relatively comparable engines, which results in many instances in which the specifications are also fairly similar. However, there are a few minor differences. The Mercedes has a maximum power output of 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque output of 258 lb-ft at 1,620 rpm. With 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,450 rpm, the BMW is slightly more potent. The Audi is the top performer, with 258 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm and up to 228 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
Although the BMW X1 is a little bit faster, the tightness of the ride detracts from its score. Although the Mercedes and Audi are just slightly different in price, they both provide a smoother ride. Due to its propensity for jerky transmission changing, the Audi also loses some points in this comparison, leaving the Mercedes GLA Class as the clear victor.