BMW X1 sDrive16i vs Mercedes-Benz GLA180

When we pitted the then brand-spanking new BMW X1 against the somewhat aged Audi Q3 in March 2023, we were, of course, expecting the X1 to pull ahead of its rival. What did catch us by surprise, however, was just how far BMW had raised standards for the segment, especially when it came to drivetrain refinement and cabin design.

But now, there's a new contender in town ready to contend for segment honours.

It's called the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and it returns to us here after having received cosmetic upgrades both inside and out. Now, that might not sound enough to topple a segment leader, but if 2023's car buying patterns are anything to go by, there will be many here who will be picking between these two. So, which will be the better pick?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has been updated with a new grille and lower bumper, allowing it to match the BMW X1 for visual panache

New style

You have to give credit to Mercedes when it comes to exterior design - its touches to the GLA, while subtle, have managed to ensure that it does not look any more aged when next to the X1.

The new grille (now with its dark mesh comprising of vertical elements) adds a touch of sleekness to the crossover, and its chrome lower section competes for your attention in much the same way that the silver sections at the front and side intakes of the BMW X1 do.

BMW's Operating System 8.0 (left) still feels more intuitive, even if this iteration of Mercedes' MBUX (right) now features quick access buttons for easier access to its various sub-menus

Full of equipment

The updates to the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz are not quite as successful. Those who find reaching out to the 10.25-inch infotainment screen a stretch will rue the fact that all the physical quick access buttons and the touchpad on the centre console are now removed - to be replaced with a new storage receptacle that seems too shallow to securely hold much once the car is on the move.

Thankfully, Mercedes' new infotainment menu now comes festooned with buttons for easier access to the most-utilised sub-menus.

Your smartphone is held tight in place with a clip in the phone holder and there's more storage space beneath the floating armrest of the BMW X1 (left). The shallow receptacle of the Mercedes GLA, meanwhile, does not do as great a job at holding onto your knick-knacks (right)

The floating console setup of the BMW X1's interior, meanwhile, with its sizeable cubby hole behind the cupholders, will find greater favour amongst those who value interior storage space. And the firm's Operating System 8.0 feels the more intuitive of the two as well, benefitting without the MBUX's wide variety of layouts for its sub-menus.

The BMW additionally feels the more comfortable to sit in regardless of which seat you pick, with more knee room for those at the front and back rows, and being the only car here equipped with rear air-conditioning vents. Having said that, the Mercedes-Benz GLA does counter this by sporting a front passenger seat that comes complete with a memory function.

Rear passengers get air-conditioning vents in this BMW X1 (left), but both the front passengers in the Mercedes-Benz GLA (right) get memory seats

Well-sorted drive

Take the driver's seat, however, and you'll be better rewarded in the X1.

Both crossovers come with engines that deliver a total of 230Nm of torque from a lowly rpm figure (1,500rpm in the BMW X1 and 1,660rpm in the Mercedes), which make gentle acceleration and day-to-day driving feel effortless in either car. However, the 1.5-litre unit in the X1 is the more refined of the two, refraining from delivering any harsh vocals through its rev range the way the Mercedes' 1.3-litre unit will when pushed to its redline.

This pairs with a steering that is outright light in the X1 when left in its 'Efficient' driving mode, giving the car a thoroughly agile demeanour. The Mercedes, meanwhile, feels the more planted of the two with its weightier steering, but it's not entirely absent of driver encouragement - delivering aplenty on induction whistle as its turbocharger spins up on hard throttle applications.

The Mercedes GLA continues to impress with its colourful infotainment system and new lashings of exterior chrome, but those that value drivetrain refinement will do well to pick the BMW X1

Popular pick

So, which should you make your pick? At $229,888, this 'Inspiring' trim BMW X1 is offered at only a small discount against the $238,888 GLA180 in its 'Progressive' trim. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, of course, comes with a more flamboyant infotainment system, and, if 2023's buying patterns are anything to do by, still comes from a brand that holds just a bit more brand cachet amongst Singaporean's (all prices as of 28 February 2024).

But for those of whom an engaging drive and passenger comfort are a priority, the BMW X1 should prove more than enough to secure one over the Mercedes.

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