BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
When comparing the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the BMW X1 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW X1's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW X1 ranges from $40,467 to $56,873 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced between $39,999 to $52,225. For a new model, the BMW X1's price is between $43,893 and $57,593, with the Mercedes-Benz GLA priced between $43,500 and $61,755.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X1 loses 44.6 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 42.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz GLA retains 2.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X1.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X1 is 7.9 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA's quality rating is 7.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW X1 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 5 out of 13. Out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, the BMW X1 is ranked 16 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is ranked 30.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X1 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz GLA the reliability rating is 6.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW X1 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X1’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X1 has an average safety rating of 4.88 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the BMW X1 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,893 - $57,593
Starting MSRP:
$40,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$40,572
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$25,600 - $49,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,500 - $61,755
Starting MSRP:
$41,850
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$40,572
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$25,600 - $49,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,113
Price Range:
$40,467 - $56,873
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$45,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,730 - $58,418
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
344
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,506
# Good or Great Deals:
90
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,806
Price Range:
$39,999 - $52,225
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$45,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,730 - $58,418
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,450
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$22,050
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
46.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
43% - 50.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,007
Depreciation %:
43%
Resale Value $:
$23,843
Residual Value %:
57%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
46.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
43% - 50.6%
BMW X1 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.9 / 10
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X1
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.1 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.1 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.3 - 6.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.3 - 6.2
BMW X1 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 59Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
40 out of / 68Ranking
59 out of / 68Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 59Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
30 out of / 68Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
52 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW X1 Trim Levels
M35i, xDrive28i
Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
46.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
50.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3750 lbs
Width:
82.8 inches
Height:
64.6 inches
Length:
177.2 inches
Wheelbase:
106 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
173.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Bay Lagoon Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic / San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Utah Orange Metallic
Silver
Space Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Gold
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Gold
Rose Gold Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Red/Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown / Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige
