Classy crossovers: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
You'd think that the wealthy only prefer to motor around in sizable and swanky sedans and SUVs, but it seems they've developed a liking for the compact and classy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What are the highlights of the BMW X1?
The X1 aims to be sporty in look and driving feel.What makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA unique?
The GLA packs an advanced infotainment system and a flashy design.And so just as the mainstream market got flooded by compact crossovers, so did, too, the selection of premium vehicles. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been known for being four-wheeled symbols of wealth, so these German carmakers join the crossover craze with the X1 and GLA, respectively.
As is the usual for the Munich brand, the X1 is positioned to be an athletic offering or "Sports Activity Vehicle" in BMW-speak.
The X1 proves its "SAV" status with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The BMW kidney grille and narrow adaptive LED lights shows even more aggression. Black body cladding is there toughen up the look, while illuminated door handles befits the upscale car's upscale price tag.
Inside, the X1 welcomes passengers with ambient light that runs through the whole interior. The instrument panel is embellished with decorative contrasting stitching, which also features in the Dakota leather Oyster upholstery and in the floor mats. Meanwhile, the rear seat can be adjusted for legroom or more stowage capacity in the luggage compartment.
The X1 is equipped with innovations such as Apple CarPlay, telephony with wireless charging, the BMW Head-Up Display and Control Display in a 10.25-inch screen. Intelligent safety systems including the Driving Assistant Plus and the Parking Assistant ensures safe travels.
Now going over to Stuttgart, the GLA looks to be more classy than brash.
The GLA's three-pointed star badge shines bright in the center of what Mercedes-Benz calls a "Diamond" grille. The wheels, roof rails, and LED headlights are equally as spiffy. Side skirts, 19-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels, and lowered suspension could be added as devils in the details.
"Artico" man-made leather seats with a seemingly grippy material called "Dinamica," carbon fiber-look trim on the door panels and dashboard, a black roof liner, and AMG-branded floor mats round out the interior.
The tech highlight of the GLA is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which can mirror one's phone with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a seven-inch touchscreen, and take voice commands with Linguatronic. The screen can also display the image from the reversing camera.
More information about the X1 and GLA are available on their spec sheets.
SPECIFICATIONS |
BMW X1 sDrive 18d xLine |
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line |
Overall Length (mm) |
4,447 |
4,410 |
Overall Width (mm) |
1,821 |
1,834 |
Overall Height (mm) |
1,598 |
1,611 |
Wheelbase (mm) |
2,730 |
2,729 |
Ground Clearance (mm) |
185 |
185 |
Seating Capacity |
Five Persons |
Five Persons |
Engine Type |
BMW TwinPower Turbo Diesel, Four Cylinder, 16-valve |
Turbo Gasoline, Four Cylinder, 16-valve |
Engine Displacement (L) |
2.0 |
1.3 |
Maximum Power Output (hp/ rpm) |
150 / 4,000 |
163/ 65500 |
Maximum Torque (Nm / rpm) |
350 / 1,750 |
250/ 1,620 |
Drive-by-Wire |
With |
With |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
Paddles Shifters |
With |
With |
AT Shiftlock |
With |
With |
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) |
50 |
50 |
Emission Rating |
Euro 6 |
Euro 6 |
Brake |
Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Disc |
Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Disc |
Steering Gear Type |
Electric-Assist Rack and Pinion |
Electric-Assist Rack and Pinion |
Power Steering |
Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
Steering Wheel Material |
Leather |
Leather |
Cruise Control |
With |
With |
Steering Wheel Controls |
Audio and Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephone |
Audio and Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephone |
Steering Wheel Adjustment |
Tilt and Telescopic |
Tilt and Telescopic |
Wheel Size and Type |
18-inch alloy Y-Spoke Style with Run-Flat Tires |
19-inch AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light Allow Wheels |
Spare Tire |
Space Saver Type |
Space Saver Type |
Headlights |
LED |
LED |
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) |
LED |
LED |
Fog Lights |
LED |
LED |
Side Turn Signal Lights |
Door Mirror Integrated |
Door Mirror Integrated |
Tail Lamp |
LED |
LED |
High-Mount Stop Lamp |
LED |
LED |
Door Handles |
Body Color |
Body Color |
Door Mirror Color |
Body Color |
Body Color |
Radiator grille |
Chrome |
Diamond AMG-Line |
Door Mirror Adjustment |
Power Adjustable |
Power Adjustable |
Power Folding Door Mirrors |
With |
With |
Antenna |
Rear Micro Type |
Rear Micro Type |
Wipers |
Intermittent with Washer |
Intermittent with Washer |
Front Bumper Lower Grille |
Standard |
Standard |
Tailgate Spoiler |
With |
With |
Side Sill Garnish |
With |
With |
Seat Material |
Black Leather |
Black Leather |
Seat |
Front: Power Sliding and Reclining with Adjustable Headrest and Height Adjuster (Driver) Power Slide and Recline (Passenger) Rear: Slide and Recline with Split Folding
|
Front: Power Sliding and Reclining with Adjustable Headrest and Height Adjuster (Driver) Power Slide, Recline, and Height (Passenger) Rear: Fixed with Split Folding |
Audio System |
10.25-inch Touchscreen |
10.25-inch Touchscreen with MBUX |
Connectivity |
USB, Bluetooth, BMW iDrive, Apple CarPlay |
USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay |
Speakers |
Hi-Fi Loudspeakers |
Four Speakers with Two Tweeters |
Air Conditioning System |
Automatic with Dual Zone Climate |
Automatic with Dual Zone Climate |
Center Console |
With Armrest |
With Armrest |
Push Start System |
With |
With |
Speedometer |
With |
With |
Fuel Level |
With |
With |
Fuel Consumption Meter |
Instantaneous and Average Read-out |
Instantaneous and Average Read-out |
Trip Meter |
Digital |
Digital |
Range Computer |
With |
With |
Temperature |
Gauge |
Digital |
Illumination Control |
With |
With |
Door Open Warning |
With |
With |
Inner Door Handles |
Silver |
Silver |
Map Light |
With |
With |
Dome Light |
With |
With |
Rear View Mirror |
Day and Night |
Day and Night |
Sun Visor |
Driver: With Vanity Mirror, Lid, and Ticket Holder Front Passenger: With Vanity Mirror and Lid |
Driver: With Vanity Mirror, Lid, and Ticket Holder Front Passenger: With Vanity Mirror and Lid |
Grab Rail |
Four |
Four |
Bottle Holders |
Six |
Six |
Power Windows |
With Auto Up/Down for Driver |
With Auto Up/Down for Driver |
Windshield Defogger |
Front and Rear |
Front and Rear |
12V Accessory Socket |
Front (x1) |
Front (x1) |
Console Panel |
Black with Soft Pad |
Black with Soft Pad |
Airbags |
Driver, Front Passenger, Side, and Side Curtain |
Driver, Front Passenger, Side, and Side Curtain |
Seatbelt |
Driver: Adjustable Three-point ELR Front Passenger: Adjustable Three-point ELR Rear: Three-point ELR (x3) |
Driver: Adjustable Three-point ELR Front Passenger: Adjustable Three-point ELR Rear: Three-point ELR (x3) |
Seatbelt Reminder |
Driver and Front Passenger |
Driver and Front Passenger |
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) |
With |
With |
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) |
With |
With |
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) |
With |
With |
Hill Start Assist (HAS) |
With |
With |
Child Safety Lock |
With |
With |
Isofix Child Seat Anchor |
With |
With |
Security Alarm |
With Immobilizer |
With Immobilizer |
Reverse Camera |
With Guidelines |
With Guidelines |
Door Beams |
With |
With |
Pinch-free Power Window |
Driver Side |
Driver Side |
Available Body Color |
Alpine White, Black, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue |
Cosmos Black, Polar White, Denim Blue, Patagonia Red, Iridium Silver, Mountain Grey, Night Black, Digital White |
PRICE |
P3.19 million |
P3.390 million |
Photos from BMW and Mercedes-Benz
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Seating
5
|
5
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
Fuel Type
Diesel
|
Diesel
|
Gasoline
|
Gasoline
|
Diesel
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Engine
1995
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1995
|
3956
|
2296
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2199
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Power
150
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190
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271
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299
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190
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Torque
350 Nm
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400 Nm
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381 Nm
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420 Nm
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440 Nm
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Transmission Type
Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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