Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Vs. BMW X1 Differences

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Vs. BMW X1 Differences

If you are shopping for a new compact luxury SUV, you’ve likely narrowed down your search to the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1. So which one should you choose? Here at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South, we think the answer is the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, but you don’t have to take our word for it.

Read on to compare BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUVs side by side, then take a moment to schedule your road test appointment in the new GLA 250 or any of our new Mercedes-Benz vehicles for sale.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1: Price & Features

When choosing between a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 or BMW X1, one of the first things to look at is value for your money. Which gives you more? With a lower starting price and more standard luxuries, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 does.

The BMW X1 has only one configuration; the GLA 250 has four. Comparing its features to the base-configuration Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, we start with the 2023 BMW X1 offering standard driver’s seat position memory, dual-zone auto climate control, perforated SensaTec upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, and automatic front emergency braking.

The more-affordable 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 also has standard dual-zone auto climate control, equivalent MB-Tex upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, and automatic front emergency braking. However, it exceeds the BMW X1 with standard three-position memory for its front seats.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1 features also involve the GLA 250 offering exclusive advantages like a standard crosswind assist, a four-way adjustable steering column, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), voice control with Natural Language Understanding, torque vectoring brakes, and more.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i
Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 221 @ 5,500 rpm 241 @ 4,500-6,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined): 281 282
Cargo Volume: 50.5 cu ft 57.2 cu ft
Shop Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: Engine & Performance

BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: Engine & Performance

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 for sale delivers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined,1 and so does the new BMW X1.2

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 221 horsepower. The new BMW X1 for sale has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that delivers 241 horsepower.

However, these specs are all that the BMW X1 can come with.

If you want more power in your Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV, you can opt for the Mercedes-AMG® GLA 35 with 302 horsepower or the Mercedes-AMG® GLA 45 with 382 horsepower.

As a demonstration of this power, the most powerful (and only) BMW X1 configuration goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds; the most powerful GLA shoots through the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1: Interior Space

A compact SUV should be agile and spacious. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1 interior room reveals which compact luxury SUV gives you more space to stretch out: The GLA 250.

With seating for five and up to 50.5 cubic feet of cargo room, the GLA 250 is well-suited to your daily drive. The BMW X1 offers similar space. However, the BMW X1 only gives you 40.4-inches of front and 37-inches of rear legroom; the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 treats you to 41-inches of front and 38-inches of rear legroom.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1: Interior Space

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Lease Offers

Now that you’ve picked a winner between the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1, you’ll want to choose an affordable lease deal on the already-more-affordable GLA 250. Our dealership offers new vehicle specials on the GLA 250 as well as other Mercedes-Benz SUVs for sale.

To get a sense of what your monthly lease or finance payment will be, you can contact our finance department. We can go over current pricing and show you how leasing compares to buying. If you are undecided about whether it’s better to buy or lease, our team is here to answer your questions and point out the pros and cons of both buying strategies.

Many of our regular customers like to take home a luxury SUV from our pre-owned inventory. A late-model pre-owned Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a great way to get into a turbocharged SUV without paying the full sticker price for the latest model. Be sure to browse our pre-owned cars for sale, let us know if there’s a particular model year, trim option, or color that interests you, and we’ll help you search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 or BMW X1 bigger?

If you’re looking for a compact crossover that’s small on the outside but big on the inside, you’re interested in a vehicle that offers ample legroom, shoulder room, and cargo area while still being easy to park. When comparing the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1, the choice is clear — the GLA 250 is spacious in all dimensions and offers significant advantages like more legroom in every seat.

Which is better: the Mercedes-Benz GLA or BMW X1?

Since you’re comparing two luxury crossover SUVs for sale that offer turbocharged engines, you’re interested in comfort and performance. The driving experience of these vehicles is noticeably different, especially when cornering. The GLA offers more composure and steering response, as well as a drivetrain that delivers power when and where you need it. Acceleration in the GLA is smooth and refined from a transmission that downshifts on time.

What is the Mercedes-Benz GLA comparable to?

If you’re still early in your research for the best new luxury crossover SUV that delivers a sporty ride and ample conveniences, you might be wondering how the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 compares to the competition and what those vehicles are. Drivers typically compare the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1 as well as the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque.

Your GLA 250 Awaits at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South

We hope we’ve answered your questions about the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. BMW X1 and helped you decide which model is best for your garage. Contact our dealership to schedule your test drive and discover all the other premium benefits of a Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV.


1EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

2Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.

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