BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA Comparison 2026: Price, Mileage, Features

Comparison overview: The BMW X1 starts at ₹50.90 L and the Mercedes-Benz GLA at ₹49.70 L, a difference of ₹1.20 L ex-showroom. On-road in New Delhi that gap becomes roughly ₹1.33 L. Here is what the extra money actually buys.

Mileage and running cost: The BMW X1 Diesel/Petrol Automatic is rated at 20.37 kmpl,20.37 kmpl and the Mercedes-Benz GLA Diesel/Petrol Automatic at 18.9 kmpl,17.4 kmpl. At 1,000 km a month, the BMW X1 saves you about ₹343.6426116838493 a month and ₹4.12 K a year on fuel.

What one gives that the other does not: The BMW X1 adds Anti-Theft Alarm, Side Airbag-Rear, Traction Control, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts and Rain Sensing Wiper. The Mercedes-Benz GLA adds Child Safety Locks, Day & Night Rear View Mirror, Curtain Airbag, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The rest of both spec sheets is shared.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you drive mostly in the city, you want the lower running cost, and you would rather keep the ₹1.20 L for your down payment than spend it on features.

Buy the BMW X1 if you do regular highway runs, you carry luggage or a pram often, and you want Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) without waiting for the next facelift.

The one thing that settles it: BMW X1 offers Anti-Theft Alarm.

Before you sign anything:

Ex-showroom price is not what you pay. Add registration, road tax, insurance and handling, and expect the final figure to land ten to twelve percent higher. Road tax changes state to state, so a car that costs the same in two cities does not cost the same to own.

Ask the dealer four things before you book. What is the current waiting period for the variant you want. What is the on-road figure.

Then drive both cars back to back on the same day, on a road you actually use. Take your family. Put your usual luggage in the boot. Most people decide in the first ten minutes, and it is rarely for the reason they expected.