BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA (2026)
BMW X1 (₹49.90 Lakh – ₹52.90 Lakh) and Mercedes-Benz GLA (₹51.80 Lakh – ₹55.00 Lakh) go head-to-head in the luxury suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The BMW X1 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.90 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the more powerful car, with 187 bhp against 154 bhp.
- The BMW X1 has the bigger boot: 540 litres vs 425 litres.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
BMW X1 in short
The X1 is BMW's entry SUV in India, and since August 2026 it comes two ways: the India-exclusive long-wheelbase sDrive18Li petrol at ₹49.90 lakh with a huge 540-litre boot, and the standard-body sDrive18d diesel at ₹52.90 lakh. The LWB petrol makes the X1 the only compact luxury SUV with a stretched wheelbase in India. It fights the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3, both of which it now undercuts at entry.
Full X1 prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLA in short
The GLA is the entry point to Mercedes-Benz SUV ownership in India, priced ₹51.80–55.00 lakh across three variants. The 2024 facelift carries a 163 PS 1.3L turbo-petrol (GLA 200) or a 190 PS 2.0L diesel with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (GLA 220d), both with dual-clutch automatics. It is the only car in its class to pair a diesel with AWD, and its 425-litre boot is usable for the footprint. Rivals are the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.
Full GLA prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: X1 or GLA?
The BMW X1 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.90 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
X1 vs GLA — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: BMW X1 — not yet tested; Mercedes-Benz GLA — not yet tested.
Should I buy the X1 or the GLA?
The BMW X1 is more affordable — it starts ₹1.90 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the more powerful car, with 187 bhp against 154 bhp. The BMW X1 has the bigger boot: 540 litres vs 425 litres. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.