X1 vs GLA for the Bay Area
2027 BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA in Northern California
25.7 cubic feet against 15 behind the rear seats, and all-wheel drive as standard. The figures side by side.
The 2027 BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 are the two compact German SUVs at the entry point of their ranges, and the biggest difference between them is what you can put in the back. The BMW X1 xDrive28i carries 25.7 cubic feet behind its rear seats; the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 carries 15. The X1 also makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft against 221 and 258, and it drives all four wheels as standard.
We sell the BMW X1 at BMW of Napa Valley in Fairfield. This page sets the published figures side by side at matching scope and says which car suits which driver. Every GLA figure here is the front-wheel-drive GLA 250; Mercedes sells a GLA 250 4MATIC with all-wheel drive as a separate model and nothing below describes it.
Quick Take
For most buyers the BMW X1 xDrive28i is the stronger choice. It carries 10.7 more cubic feet behind its rear seats, makes 20 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque, and comes with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard where the GLA 250 read here drives the front wheels. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 answers with a lower starting MSRP of $41,500 against $43,200, a curb weight 146 pounds lighter, and an inch more legroom in each row. Choose the GLA 250 if the entry price and the cabin room are what decide it; choose the X1 if you carry things, want the traction as standard, or want the extra power.
2027 BMW X1 Overview
A 177.2-inch compact luxury SUV, five seats, xDrive all-wheel drive standard on both of its models. The X1 xDrive28i makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four through a 7-speed dual clutch, reaching 60 mph in a BMW-estimated 6.2 seconds at a curb weight of 3,750 pounds with 994 pounds of standard payload capacity. Cargo is 25.7 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 57.2 with the 40/20/40 seatback folded. The BMW Curved Display, navigation, a power liftgate and roof rails are standard. The X1 overview covers the rest.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Overview
Mercedes-Benz's compact SUV is shorter and lower than the X1 at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high, on a slightly longer 107-inch wheelbase. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four with a mild-hybrid system makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, and the GLA 250 read here is front-wheel drive. Curb weight is 3,604 pounds. Cargo is 15 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 51 cubic feet with them folded, from a 14-gallon tank. It seats five, and front and rear legroom are 41 and 38 inches.
Powertrain Comparison
| Specification | BMW X1 xDrive28i | Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive, standard | Front-wheel drive on this model |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, mild hybrid |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch | 8-speed automatic |
| Curb weight | 3,750 pounds | 3,604 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 14.3 gallons | 14 gallons |
Interior and Technology Comparison
| Measurement | BMW X1 xDrive28i | Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo behind the rear seats | 25.7 cu ft | 15 cu ft |
| Cargo, rear seats folded | up to 57.2 cu ft | 51 cu ft |
| Front legroom | 40.4 in | 41 in |
| Rear legroom | 37.0 in | 38 in |
| Seating | 5 seats, both cars | |
| Length | 177.2 in | 173.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 in | 107 in |
The X1's standard cabin technology is the BMW Curved Display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display behind one piece of curved glass, running BMW iDrive on Operating System 9 with QuickSelect. It is standard on both X1 models.
Pricing and Value
| Model | Starting MSRP | Power | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X1 xDrive28i | $43,200 | 241 hp, 295 lb-ft | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 | $41,500 | 221 hp, 258 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
Both are starting MSRPs and exclude destination and handling, taxes, title and registration. The BMW X1's destination and handling charge is $1,350 for 2027. The comparison is like for like on drivetrain only in the sense that each figure is the model as listed; a GLA 250 4MATIC is a different model at a different price.
Where the BMW X1 Wins
- 10.7 more cubic feet behind the rear seats. 25.7 against 15. This is the single largest gap between the two cars and it is the figure that matters with five people aboard.
- All-wheel drive as standard. xDrive comes on every X1. The GLA 250 compared here drives its front wheels, and all-wheel drive means moving to a different Mercedes model.
- 20 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft. 241 and 295 against 221 and 258.
- 6.2 more cubic feet with the seats folded. Up to 57.2 against 51.
- 994 pounds of published payload capacity. The X1 states what it can carry.
- The Curved Display as standard. A 10.25-inch cluster and a 10.7-inch control screen on one curve, on the entry model.
Where the Mercedes-Benz GLA Wins
- A lower starting MSRP. $41,500 against $43,200, which is a real gap at this end of the market.
- 146 pounds lighter. 3,604 pounds against 3,750.
- More legroom in both rows. 41 inches in front against 40.4, and 38 inches in the rear against 37.0, on a 107-inch wheelbase.
- A shorter car to park. 173.6 inches against 177.2.
Which One Fits Your Week?
- You carry things with the family aboard. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, and it is not close: 25.7 cubic feet against 15 behind the rear seats. See X1 inventory.
- You want all-wheel drive without changing model. The X1, where xDrive is standard equipment rather than a step to a different car.
- Entry price is the deciding number. The GLA 250, at $41,500 MSRP.
- Rear-seat legroom is the deciding number. The GLA 250, by an inch.
- You want the most power of the two. The X1 xDrive28i, and the X1 M35i takes it further at 312 horsepower.
Test Drive the BMW X1 at BMW of Napa Valley
Our X1 stock sits on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield, at 2399 Auto Mall Pkwy off Interstate 80, a short drive from Napa, Vacaville, Vallejo, Suisun City and American Canyon. Bring the load you actually carry and put it in the back of both cars; on this pairing the tape measure settles the argument faster than a spec sheet does. Damp mornings off Suisun Marsh and dry inland afternoons are also a fair test of standard all-wheel drive.
Browse X1 inventory, schedule a test drive or apply for financing.
BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA FAQs
Which has more cargo space, the BMW X1 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The BMW X1, by a wide margin behind the rear seats: 25.7 cubic feet against the GLA 250's 15. With the rear seats folded the X1 carries up to 57.2 cubic feet against 51.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA all-wheel drive?
The GLA 250 compared here is front-wheel drive. Mercedes sells a GLA 250 4MATIC with all-wheel drive as a separate model. Every 2027 BMW X1 has xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.
Which is cheaper?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, at $41,500 MSRP against the BMW X1 xDrive28i's $43,200. Both exclude destination and handling, taxes, title and registration.
Which has more power?
The BMW X1 xDrive28i, with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft against the GLA 250's 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft.
Which is roomier for passengers?
The GLA 250 has an inch more legroom in each row, 41 inches front and 38 rear against the X1's 40.4 and 37.0. Both seat five.
Which is lighter?
The GLA 250 at 3,604 pounds, against the X1's 3,750, a difference of 146 pounds.
Which of the two takes up less kerb space?
The GLA 250 is shorter at 173.6 inches against 177.2, though the X1 turns inside a 38.4-foot circle and is 82.8 inches across the mirrors.
Where can I compare them near Vallejo?
Drive the X1 at BMW of Napa Valley on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield. Schedule a test drive.
Explore the X1
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