Mercedes-Benz GLB 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 opens at $61,800. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $2,100.
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 $70,290 and $67,980 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X1 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
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
The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X1 gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X1. The BMW X1 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW X1 offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLB 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 9.4 seconds.
The BMW X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X1 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4,634mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 134mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 540L in the BMW X1, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 30L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and $1,853/year for the BMW X1. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs $1,853 (BMW X1). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X1 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLB and BMW X1?
The BMW X1 is the cheapest at $61,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLB by $2,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB makes the most power at 120kW. The BMW X1 is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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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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