The subcompact luxury SUV segment is growing, but no other manufacturer has been able to touch the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 as the top contenders. The 2023 GLA continues on the winning formula that the second generation introduced in 2019. The 2023 X1 is an all-new model that debuted in 2022, with new styling, interior, and powertrain choices.
Let’s find out which of the two is the best subcompact luxury SUV. We will compare the GLA vs. X1 in terms of interior, performance, and safety features. If you’d like to check out a 2023 GLA, get in touch with the Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg team in Fredericksburg, VA, to know more.
The sporty-looking 2023 GLA is a proper subcompact luxury crossover that can seat up to five adults in comfort and offers a bit more legroom in the front and rear than the 2023 X1. The X1 slightly claws back the advantage in headroom as the taller vehicle. The GLA can also accommodate 15.4 cubic feet of luggage, which is less than the 25.7 cubic feet that the X1 offers. But this extra space is mainly in the height dimension, with limited usability as a result.
The 2023 GLA and 2023 X1 come with plenty of standard technology and comfort features, including digital instrument clusters, powered driver and passenger seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Additionally, the 2023 GLA also offers three memory positions for the driver seat, while the 2023 X1 sticks with just one. It’s also got manual rear climate control and packs more leather-trimmed dash surfaces. We should also note that the leather is environmentally friendly MB-Tex synthetic leather.
The infotainment screen on the GLA may be smaller at 7.0 inches, but when you consider that the BMW’s infotainment screen is part of its main digital instrument cluster, the GLA’s separate screen is less distracting, particularly when being used by a passenger.
Mercedes-Benz offers the 2023 GLA in GLA 250 or GLA 250 4MATIC® guises. Both feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifting. The GLA 250 is a front-wheel-drive variant, while the GLA 250 4MATIC® comes with an all-wheel-drive system. For those seeking more performance, check out the Mercedes-AMG® GLA, which can offer 302 horsepower in GLA35 guise or 382 horsepower in GLA 45 guise, and the all-wheel-drive system as standard.
The 2023 X1 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 241 horsepower, driving all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. You don’t get a high-performance BMW M variant of the 2023 X1.
The 2023 GLA and 2023 X1 offer a comprehensive set of safety features. These include stability control, at least six airbags, traction control, blind-spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, brake assist, and a backup camera. They’re both extremely safe cars. You can also option a heads-up display and surround-view camera on them. The 2023 GLA also offers an optional rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2023 GLA sneaks ahead in this Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW matchup. It’s got a very nice feature set, a more appealing interior, tasty high-performance variants, and a comprehensive suite of safety technology. If you’re interested in checking out the 2023 GLA, visit Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, VA. There, you can see the 2023 GLA in person and take a test drive.
