The crossover SUV has become a popular choice for people across all walks of life. When you're looking for a new luxury compact SUV that makes every drive more comfortable and convenient, German engineering like what's found in every Mercedes-Benz and BMW likely comes first to mind. Now in its second generation, the newly redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA puts more Sport in SUV while also affording you the opportunity to be more spontaneous. Of course, the new 2021 BMW X1 and its cheaper price tag seems to offer some stiff competition at first glance..
Which luxury crossover SUV offers the best value for your investment? Below, we comb through the specs and features of both models to help you make an informed decision before ever visiting a dealership. When you are ready to see your next new luxury vehicle in person, we invite you to enjoy a better dealership experience at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula where we proudly serve customers from Fallbrook, Deluz, and throughout Southern California.
Initially, there may not appear to be much different between these two luxury crossover SUVs. They both come with elegant design that reflects well upon their brands but look a little closer. That's when you'll start noticing subtle differences that add up quickly. For instance, the doors on the Mercedes-Benz GLA extend below the side sills for easier entry and cleaner exits. You'll also find standard LED headlights on every model for an attention to detail and overall value that the BMW X1 simply falls short of.
Inside is likely where you'll be spending the most time with your next new luxury car, and this is where the differences between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 become even more clear. Take a seat behind the wheel of the new GLA and you'll start to notice a wide array of advanced features and technology that makes up the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). From the standard digital instrument cluster to the touchpad controller conveniently placed at your fingertips in the center console, the latest 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA simply provides more from the start than the BMW X1, which isn't offered with any of these advanced features.
Where much of the automotive industry still appears to be thinking of the radio in your car as its own, separate component, the MBUX system demonstrates an understanding that driving a luxury car should be about an all-encompassing experience. That's what you'll find behind the wheel of a new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA thanks in large part to the advanced MBUX system. At the heart of this technology is an industry-advancing voice control system. It's a level of connection to your vehicle that the BMW X1 just doesn't provide. For those who rely on a smartphone that's not made by Apple, the Mercedes-Benz GLA holds another clear advantage with standard Android Auto™ connectivity, a feature that doesn't come in any level of BMW X1.
No one looks at a German luxury crossover SUV without expecting an engaging level of performance. On the surface, performance for these two models appears to be quite close. Standard horsepower, 0-60 MPH time, and curb weight are all quite close between the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1. Having seen these specs on paper, even we were surprised at just how differently these compact SUVs felt behind the wheel. In the city, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA feels more comfortable over Southern California's rough city streets than the stiffer-feeling suspension of the BMW X1. It might seem like this would indicate sportier handling from the X1, but that wasn't the case. There's a noticeable lack of feedback in the steering wheel of the BMW X1 resulting in a detached and artificial feel to the drive.
When hitting some turns in the hills, the BMW X1 felt hesitant while the turbo spooled up to make power and the traditional planetary gear transmission was slow to downshift. Meanwhile, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA with its superior dual-clutch transmission was everything we expected and so much more. It's wonderfully comfortable on a typical daily drive in the city while being well-balanced and an absolute delight to drive on the open road and through the hills. The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is a much better driving machine than its competition from BMW.
Unpredictable traffic, distracted drivers, and all the other challenges that come with driving in Southern California leaves no doubt as to the importance of safety. Fortunately, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA and the latest BMW X1 are recognized as particularly safe vehicles by the world's highest standards. We expected nothing less from these German luxury brands. However, there are some important distinctions worth pointing out.
Did you know that the world's first car was built by Karl Benz in 1888? Since then, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been paving the way for the rest of the industry with leading innovation. Today, that industry pioneering spirit is exemplified in the new Mercedes-Benz GLA with standard features including ATTENTION ASSIST® and Crosswind Assist. These are just a couple examples of safety you won't find on a new BMW X1, or any other model in their lineup. Also standard on the Mercedes-Benz GLA is Blind Spot Assist, a feature that will cost extra as an upgrade on the BMW X1.
It might seem like you can save a few bucks on a new luxury compact crossover SUV by going with the 2021 BMW X1 and its starting MSRP of $35,400. But we think you'll agree that there's so much more for your money in the newly redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA starting with an MSRP of $36,230. If you still have any doubts, come see us for a test drive at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula where we proudly serve Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and beyond.
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|
2021 BMW X1 |
| $36,230 | Starting MSRP* | $35,400 |
| 221 | Standard Horsepower | 228 |
| 34 Highway - 25 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 33 Highway - 24 City |
| 107.4 Inches | Wheelbase | 105.1 Inches |
| Standard | Blind Spot Assist | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | LED Headlights | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Crosswind Assist | Not Available |
| Standard | ATTENTION ASSIST® | Not Available |
| Digital | Standard Gauge Cluster | Analog |
| Standard | Android Auto™ | Not Available |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|
|
| 2021 BMW X1 |
| $36,230 |
| Starting MSRP* |
| $35,400 |
| 221 |
| Standard Horsepower |
| 228 |
| 34 Highway - 25 City |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| 33 Highway - 24 City |
| 107.4 Inches |
| Wheelbase |
| 105.1 Inches |
| Standard |
| Blind Spot Assist |
| Available Upgrade |
| Standard |
| LED Headlights |
| Available Upgrade |
| Standard |
| Crosswind Assist |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
| ATTENTION ASSIST® |
| Not Available |
| Digital |
| Standard Gauge Cluster |
| Analog |
| Standard |
| Android Auto™ |
| Not Available |
*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.
