BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BMW X1: we're still completing width, height, kerb weight, warranty and ground clearance, plus 4 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X1 starts from $43,500 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB opens at $63,900. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $20,400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $47,850 and $70,290 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the BMW X1 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,450mm long on a 2,760mm wheelbase, 184mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLB at 4,634mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the BMW X1 and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 150L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,400kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLB has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The BMW X1 is the cheapest at $43,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLB by $20,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB makes the most power at 120kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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