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.
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 are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLB and BMW X1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 86% for the BMW X1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLB packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 6 in the BMW X1.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X1 gets a 10.7-inch display. 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.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm 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 7.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X1 is 2.3s 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 410L in the BMW X1, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 160L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and $1,853/year for the BMW X1. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs $1,853 (BMW X1). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $142 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, 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, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and BMW X1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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