Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1
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 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 opens at $43,500. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $15,400.
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 $64,790 and $47,850 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 GLA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X1. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The BMW X1 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 39mm shorter than the BMW X1 at 4,450mm (2,760mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 420L in the BMW X1, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 15L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,400kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
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: swings in
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 Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLA takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1?
The BMW X1 is the cheapest at $43,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $15,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA makes the most power at 120kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
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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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