2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 - Which should be your first luxury SUV? | ​⁠

The Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 are options of interest for anyone buying their first luxury car. Nikhil Bhatia brings the two together to tell you which one does it for both head and heart.
Camerapersons: Sharad Vegada, Roshni Manghani
Editor: Siddhesh Kadam
0:00 - Introduction
0:48 - Design and styling
1:49 - Interiors
4:45 - Features and safety equipment
5:38 - Rear seat comfort
7:36 - Boot space
8:01 - Performance, ride and handling
12:09 - Audi Q3
12:32 - Price and verdict
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#autocarindia #carcomparison #mercedes #mercedesbenzgla #bmwx1

[@autocarindia1]

To know more about the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1, click here - www.autocarindia.com/car-comparison-reviews/mercedes-benz-gla-vs-bmw-x1-comparison-diesel-duel-430784

[@MarkAllen-xt1wm]

Q3, if you don't want a diesel. But frankly, this entire segment of luxury vehicles is obsolete in today's market. The emergence of strong 30-40L "domestic" premium vehicles have dethroned the Q3, GLA, and X1. 10y back, these cars had much better ride quality, power, interior quality, and features than most cars in the market. Today, cars like the XUV700, Safari, Kodiaq, Superb, and Tucson offer a very, very similar experience WITHOUT the luxury tax. Luxury automakers are completely out of touch with reality, but I cannot blame them because the prosperous Indian consumer seems to love these vehicles despite the outrageous prices. 72L for a GLA220d and 65L for a 3cyl X1 is downright shameful

[@jyothikarnavar]

Very well said 👌

[@drodrigues3451]

💯

[@Anoopworks]

You have precisely penned my thoughts on this tomfoolery by the German brands with Indian customers...

[@fearkilledmorelivesthanwar.]

Its the Indian govt tax on CBU import cars..no point in blaming the germans.

[@mks1702]

these cars are CKD not CBU. Cars like the tiguan and kodiaq are also CKDso yes these cars are indeed overpriced@@fearkilledmorelivesthanwar.

[@amalchristy007]

a BMW with a better ride quality than a Merc and a Merc with better driving dynamics and involvement than a bmw😮😮quite an irony😅

[@ag135i]

Things and standards are changing in everything everywhere.

[@vikram5491]

I've test driven almost every single BMW on sale, even M4 and M5. And this new X1 feels totally different to every other BMW. More like an Audi with its slow steering and smooth acceleration, made for comfort more than dynamics.

[@bmnihaal]

Exactly 😂

[@arunsingh3715]

Change of times

[@ananndryemul]

GLA ride quality is pathetic, seats too r very uncomfortable. X1 far better in terms of ride and seating comfort. Audi is a big no no for only petrol

[@kaushikganesh6216]

The x1 is 67 lakhs on road in bangalore, these reviews have to talk about on road prices because its a big difference than the ex showroom cost.

[@krishchaudhry2222]

on road cost differs state to state , rto in metro cities are very high , same car in chandigarh or himahcal will cost 55-57 lakhs

[@kaushikganesh6216]

@@krishchaudhry2222 true but most people who buy these cars live in metros and bangalore and bombay are the highest in the country when it comes to road taxes, worth mentioning on road prices in which ever city this is being filmed in just for better context and insurance cost which is mandatory across the country adds up to the real cost so even a basic insurance cost is unavoidable which can be mentioned to shed some light on real world prices.

[@doctor.arjun.drives]

I think Q3 makes a lot of sense for petrol ⛽️

[@hi5ashwin]

The merc seems to have evolved away from a LED projectors setup to a reflector based LED headlamps. I notice KIA and Hyundai use the reflector setups in the top end and give the projector headlamps in the base variants of their Seltos and Creta. I’m curious to know which amongst these two is better performing. Can somebody throw light on this topic of light 😅

[@saranraparthy]

The current creta and seltos have 160hp more than the bmw x1, maybe the torque figure differs but that’s such a step down from bmw.

[@vm-hv9he]

It's bmw and don't just trust on paper figs.

[@arunsingh3715]

@@vm-hv9he True but false, verna turbo DCT smokes BMW X1 in acceleration feel for more than half the money

[@vm-hv9he]

@@arunsingh3715 then according to you Verna will smoke gla as well

[@vm-hv9he]

@@arunsingh3715 people buying x1 for bmw driving dynamics and suv comfort not for racing..yeah I swear that bmw is meant for performance

[@mks1702]

@@vm-hv9he verna is slower than the q3 and gla but quicker than the x1

[@sainavin29]

Extremely helpful. Thanks 👍

[@M4NA5]

XC40 (R.I.P.) > Q3 > GLA > X1 (3 cylinder engine lmao)

[@gr8vijay]

XC40 🥲

[@TayingK]

Gla

[@sameerdesai2]

I m looking for x1 and gla which car i should buy as borh r good on their platforms

[@yashveersingh1795]

Great video 👍 Thanks a lot for this one

[@sunny020388]

if any one is wondering, the ground clearance on both cars is 183mm.

[@WesternRailwaysAnimation]

I agree with you on the last part, for those looking for an exciting entry level luxury SUV with best in the segment styling and easy to use tech, Q3 and if within the budget, the sportback Q3 should be the go to car, quattro AWD is just impeccable and sets the Q3 levels apart from GLA and X1.

[@bmnihaal]

You guys shouldve included q3 even if its offered only in petrol

[@pragyansaurav]

VW tiguan/Skoda kodiaq over these any day.

[@dodgeduncan4868]

U don't pay for specs but brand value

[@chadultrapromax1735]

​@@dodgeduncan4868lol no brand value. These entry level shit boxes don't even have the quality. Heck even in their luxury segments these three are reducing their build quality with scratchy and low glossy plastics.

[@lukemaunabhraham9552]

bro x1 which one to go with diesel or petrol?? i am hearing stuff like diesel cars would be banned in few years

[@sanjeevaurangabadkar8564]

Autocar SHOULD include laden ground clearance and water wading depth in reviews. We all know the specs but include practical aspects like maintenance and ASS too.

[@smilemaker9284]

Great suggestions👍

[@gp_here]

I like how the video started with "it must be a diesel" in 2024, esp considering the X1s gasoline excuse

[@inventorpranjal]

More detailed take on BYD Seal, please, especially after the new tax cut announcements

[@ar_krrish]

Got mine. The latest range rover sport

[@kaysush]

Doesn't Mercedes also has an option of Seat Kinetics ? Isn't that the massage function ?

[@midhungopan9270]

Q3 ftw ❤..... should've included in this video

[@sushilgowtham870]

What are your ideas on the q3 compared to the x1 and the gla?

[@Ashish-_-]

@@sushilgowtham870 An expensive Kodiaq/Tiguan. But is quicker due to lesser weight

[@alwafrco3822]

Good information 👍

[@udaykumar-we3bk]

Define luxury!

[@lukemaunabhraham9552]

hi bro which would you suggest petrol or diesel in X1. i am hearing stuff like diesel would be banned in upcoming years and the showroom executive himself is telling prefer petrol.

[@NikhilOnCars]

The X1 diesel is better than the X1 petrol, at least on paper. However, the government’s anti-diesel stance is a cause for concern. There won’t be a ban on diesels but further down the road, the fall in demand could impact resale value

[@ajaysonune1625]

Engine Tyre and suspension noise ??? Not explained

[@anirudh727]

You clearly missed the active massage in the gla.

[@Blinddrummersumit]

Bhopal me show room he nhi hai

[@harivinayak03]

Why are heavier cars with 150hp (like the BMW) quicker than smaller cars such as the Kia Seltos, Hyindai Creta, VW Taigun? Tyres? better transmissions perhaps?

[@SreekarReddy-ff1mh]

BMW always underrates it’s power figures on paper. In reality, they usually have at least 10 percent more. Look at some drag races between the base X5 and the velar p400. X5 is down 65 hp and is heavier but wipes the floor with the velar each time. That and the gearboxes are certainly better. That being said the 150hp is still unreasonable at this price point.

[@burnttoast9890]

​​@@SreekarReddy-ff1mh the GLA is literally a second quicker in 0-100 , even if they have underrated it , it's still an embarrassing thing to behold

[@burnttoast9890]

The Creta turbo goes 0-100 in 8.9 seconds , the BMW is half a second quicker, what a shame

[@mks1702]

power is not everything, its also about how its delivered. The x1s 150hp is probably delivered more evenly throughout the rev range unlike the other manufacturers. Plus bmw underrates its power figures a bit

[@burnttoast9890]

@@mks1702 it's not about the power , the Alto puts down it's 60 hp to the ground properly /s You understand how stupid you sound right? International markets get a 240bhp engine for a lesser price. Stop coping by proxy for BMW

[@maddy3030]

Forget both....yes, took test rides of both , then went ahead and booked the 2024 upcoming Skoda kodiac. Much plush interiors, safety and luxury, and a bit more powerful. And ofcourse a petrol. Besides it gives more features as compared to both. Being a Skoda Octavia owner wanted a change, but fell in love with Skoda again......😂

[@sujayponnachath]

Is it the kodiaq that's getting launched this year?. 2024

[@shivapillai1681]

The shift in performance is crazy for a BMW

[@chadultrapromax1735]

X1 going toe to toe by half priced kushaq in performance will never be not funny. Indian car market is stupid.

[@bhavyamgor3022]

Audi Q3 Sportback Anyday🫡

[@rohitjagiasi9349]

Finally Merc edges over BMW on power , very impressive

[@theholidayscout]

For more than 50 L, both the cars lack basic features like ventilated seats. Which are a must in india 🇮🇳 .. The kia and hundai at half the price offer much much ! More features

[@theholidayscout]

These two care are just expensive due to the Brand names. And import duty

[@wagyubeef925]

​@@theholidayscoutthese are ckd cars not cbu

[@mananagarwal7002]

2nd Gen F48 X1 >>>>>>

[@paulwfko]

What is the series of GLA? 200 or 250

[@n.martinmoses]

GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG line - Diesel

[@williamwatson72]

I am poor but still watching the video's

[@pradhumnathombare6982]

So do you really think the one who can afford these cars watch these videos and decide which one to buy? No of course not. 😅😅

[@mackisbrocklesnar]

those who can afford do not waste their time watching random videos on KZbin.

[@wagyubeef925]

​​@@pradhumnathombare6982why not? The end result is obviously what the customer prefers but nothing wrong watching reviews to get a better clarification,man you all sound so naive 😂

[@harshaokin8064]

if this was a 15L price bracket comparison, they would cry about the lack of ventilated seats. But here they seem to smile and ignore it. for the price they quote, these two are glaringly underequipped vehicles. our Indian cars like the Safari and XUV700 make way more sense and are more VFM, unless of course the buyer is more keen on the logo than the offering.

[@rickiek]

My almost 6 year old X1 offers 199 BHP and 400 nM of torque. Good for Mercedes then that BMW changed those great specs to something so average in the third gen X1 otherwise we wouldn’t even be having a comparo! 😀

[@Itsme-pb5zk]

exactly me too having 2017 x1 msport with 200 bhps & 400 nm torque😅

[@arnabchakraborty4915]

Audi Q3 always

[@parthasen9517]

It seems the roles r reversed 😃 BMW Is always a Driver’s Car & Mercedes more Sedate & Plush They have ruined the X1 by giving it a Sedate engine & ordinary Handling I’m in love with my 2019 X1 which is 2L biturbo producing 190bhp & 400NM Of torque-Yes it’s a bit stiff but the handling is nice 👌🏽 I’m tad sad that BMW X1 is not the same as before 😔 If I had to buy I would go for a Q3 or a VW TIGUAN Which has the same set up like a Q3😃

[@parthasarathy5759]

Mercedes any day ❤

[@rakmanbaba]

What has the world come to that you now have to pick BMW for comfort and luxury and a Merc for sportiness. Does it really cost that much more for BMW to have continued with s20d for India making it the un-questionable choice here?

[@midhun1625]

Bmw 🔥

[@mayanksakhare7630]

Pl make a video on bmw x1 petrol engine

[@parthasen9517]

Yes But I think that 3cylinder engine is going to Disappoint enthusiasts 👍

[@robissonwillard7266]

Nice🇸🇦

[@VIKRAMSdhu]

❤❤❤

[@wagyubeef925]

I would choose xc40 ev

[@odinmaximus9597]

2nd Gen X1 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@user-wp6pz5kg8m]

The GLA is a Nissan/ Renault underneath, from the chassis/ drivetrain/ suspension/ engine… average cars with a premium price tag

[@prasna174]

Hyundai Tucson

[@prasanthnaidu1]

I own the 18D and i had test driven the GLA AMG. I'd recommend the BMW anyday cause its just a much more well rounded package. The driving dynamics are amazing and it feels really smooth to drive. A true luxury experience. The GLA feels very raw in comparison and a notch lower. I do plan to unlock the ECU of my bmw post warranty from Femto which will give best of both worlds. Till then 15kmpl avg in choc-a-block traffic is not too bad 😬

[@jyotimutnal1912]

X5 vs GLE please

[@moizmaster870]

FWD and under 150hp (3 cylinder petrol). How do they justify the price. The X1 internationally has about 240hp and AWD. Disappointed.

[@tessylukose7956]

But comparing with Bmw the GLA more of the car with the feel of power and luxury😊

[@akaxe77]

If I were choosing between these two in petrol, I’d definitely pick the Kodiaq L&K. 😂😂

[@nischaldev8695]

The X1 is more.of a crossover and GLA is technically a hatchback. Impreza, focus, mazda3 and golf hatchbacks are longer and spacious than the wannabe GLA suv

[@subashshekar]

Neither. Entry level luxury cars make zero sense these days. Xuv700 will beat both of them hands down for a much better package at insane value. If you are going for the Germans, 80+ lakhs is where the real fun stuff begins.. if it's 50 to 60 lakhs, forget the badge and use your head.. just go for the xuv700.

[@wagyubeef925]

True! My dsl xuv 700 is powerful and feature loaded than these two cars

[@wagyubeef925]

Im a 530d owner and an obvious bimmer fan, but here, GLA takes the upper hand.

[@hari__3204]

Please mention your correct height.... Don't just tell " im just under 6 feet tall " ....so should i assume you are 5'1 ? Please be specific on height measurements

[@NikhilOnCars]

182cm.

[@monishsagalia9910]

Hyundai Tucson 🔥

[@vikashilpa]

GLA and x1 are worst cars to be labelled as luxury cars such a loud engine noise and low power. This time it’s Q3 the clear winner in this segment

[@dheeraju5955]

Volvo xc40 should be the first luxury car with safety as well

[@TechnoTweet]

All these features are available in Kia Seltos

[@ReviewKuchhbhi]

It should be Audi Q3

[@PreetSinghVlogz]

The Merc GLA has a loud and punchy engine, stiff suspension and more driving pleasure, so basically a BMW 😅

[@pico_123]

Mercedes seems to be value for money. 🎉

[@corporatelifestylebyriaz]

Q3 sportsback is the unique

[@raghavjsankar3004]

Aah I'd rather save some cash and get a superb- if your dealer still has one

[@Manas_Pratim_Gogoi]

10Rs in my bank account is be like "Arey kuch toh charam karo" 😁

[@thesaint0001]

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a winner. You will get all features in around 35 Lakh.

[@adityaprasad6247]

Video not playing in 4k

[@DavidJohnson-yy4de]

+++++

[@MrHashisz]

These entry level germans still lack features provided in sub 25L cars.

[@abhi00723]

Audi Q3 is much better tbh. The engine is more powerful than the two and spacious as well.

[@alimony4golddiggers]

Bmw has limited showrooms... Mercedes has showrooms all over india. Bmw has no 360 camera. Bmw tyres are not for indian roads.. If driver wants to race 24×7 then bmw.

[@harimohanpatel5442]

BMW car with just 150 bhp and they use m badge is just stupid I think bmw should reserve the m badge just to it’s performance car or that classic m badge will looses it’s charm 😢

[@tanujsoni3057]

Skip both and go for tucson diesel! You will save a lot and won't miss on anything. Those who say.. German brands.. bla bla bla! Keep buying overpriced fancy car 👍

[@Rocks715]

Seltos at 21 lakhs comes with more powerful engines and more features than either of them

[@reubenrobert4939]

Get a Camry instead

[@sagar19408]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@mahendra_akshaj]

Oh teri MG, main teriiiiiiiiii Pareshaan kar diya hai😂

[@senior6367]

Bmw>>>>>benz any day❤

[@godisbak8460]

20 lac ki verna same feel de deti h inside se xD

[@wagyubeef925]

Good joke

[@Kakarot_0029]

Tiguan 2024 already eats them for breakfast

[@serious1587]

They are both quite terrible value for money and you would be much better served by buying a less luxurious brand in this price range. These A-class/1 series cars are meant as 1-2 person cars for kids of rich people. Basically a bigger version of the Barbie Jeep. You're paying a whole lot of money just for status and compromising on actual luxury, comfort and performance.

[@prd2271]

Cars like xuv700/safari/hycross/tiguan/kodiaq make these entry level luxury cars look grossly overpriced

[@kaustavmandal24]

Petrol is petrol.

[@amitkolekar1077]

Why is there no talk of Skoda Superb on Autocar? It's been a week or 2 since the website is showing the Superb as available for booking. Often we see reviews of cars to be launched for months into the future. Its a bit surprising and disappointing.

[@kevinlovescars]

what an irony, these cars are build against each other tag lines. Merc is supposed to soft and cushy and here the bmw is under performing haha

[@mohanphadnis]

Get a ioniq 5. Cheaper and more powerful than both these. Better, cheaper and faster than both of these.

[@mackisbrocklesnar]

these cars are such a waste of money and efforts. both should bring back their hatchbacks.

[@danCK1990]

sorry but a kodiaq, fortuner and even the harrier make more sense

[@dipen8016]

Tere pas konsa he

[@chanduramgopalakrishnan8765]

No ventilated seats? What a joke man?

[@Itsme-pb5zk]

m lucky enuf that i own 2017 x1 msport with 190 bhps n 400nm torque 😬😬

[@krushang933]

Koreans are catching up with these Germans😂

[@ChiXAsks]

BMW does not want people to buy it's diesel engine

[@adarshshastri8337]

Petrol is even terrible

[@alonerpro]

BMW without driving feel is worthless, not even a BMW.

[@chandrashekhard8787]

bmw has very poor service network also which is gonna be a deal breaker !!!

[@devchintu]

Range rover Evoque

[@kevincarvalho363]

I own the BMW X1 and let me tell you that it is a fabulous vehicle. You will never feel it being “low in power” in fact the power is very good. The driving dynamics in the city is amazing and on the highways, you will be able to zoom past cars effortlessly. The pick-up is never a complaint. The comfort inside is also really good. The space in the cabin is way more than the GLA and feels very plush.

[@naveenshirin143]

It's cute how these channels pimp few brands ahead of others obviously for some favors or kind, none of these cars can hold a candle to volvo xc40 which is superior to all these cars

[@NikhilOnCars]

The XC40 is only sold as an electric now !

[@naveenshirin143]

@@NikhilOnCars yes. I was talking about the phase when it was available as a petrol hybrid

[@NikhilOnCars]

So we should praise a car that’s not on sale? I don’t get it!

[@naveenshirin143]

@@NikhilOnCars the old videos of this channel and few others also demonstrate this callous attitude when xc40 was very much on sale