Learn More View Inventory Contact Us

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a rugged crossover that packs a whole lot of features. The GLA gives you the ability to go off-road while cocooned in typical Mercedes-Benz luxury. It does well as a city car as well, giving great returns on mileage and gas consumption.

The 2018 BMW X1 is also a compact crossover that went into production in 2016. The car is fun to drive and offers a premium feel all the while retaining the practicality of an everyday car.

Design & Style

With its large headlights and flared wheel arches, the GLA commands an imposing presence on the road. It comes with a stylish sloping roof that gives it a fun, rugged look. This design, however, does not compromise on any of the practical functions of the car.

The BMW X1 is well styled and is geared at being a practical yet fun car to drive. In reality, it struggles with cabin space and three adults would find the back seat a squeeze. Trunk space is compromised as well. The interior styling is good as one would expect from a BMW and everything is ergonomically placed.

Technology & Safety

When it comes to technology, the GLA packs quite a punch with its suite of technology packages. They include smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get an 8-inch information display that displays crisp and clear graphics.

The BMW X1 also offers a range of tech and safety features including satellite navigation among others. The car, however, lacks any standard smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay is optional and Android Auto is not supported at all. This was a curious omission by BMW.

Performance

The GLA’s 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers a smooth drive and performance is top notch as you would expect from this premium crossover. The transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch automatic that gives the drive a refined feel. The car has ample power and handles corners with remarkable agility.

The BMW X1, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. This makes the X1 pretty responsive and powerful. It struggles a bit when you put it on Sport mode but other than that, it is an excellent drive.

The Bottom Line

The BMW X1 struggles to catch up with the GLA when it comes to technology packages in the car. Some of what comes as standard in the GLA is either optional or unsupported in the X1. The GLA also handles better in all terrain and the powerful engines make the process effortless. The X1 struggles to deliver this, especially in Sport mode. For these reasons, we see the GLA as the clear winner in this comparison.

Ready to Schedule a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Test Drive Today?

At Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, we offer a wide variety of Mercedes-Benz models for you to choose from, including the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA and we are more than happy to arrange for a test drive so that you can experience the stellar features of this vehicle. Call us today to make an appointment or simply pay us a visit at our showroom today!