Looking for a premium SUV for a family of 4: BMW X1 or Mercedes GLA?

Both of these cars pale in comparison to my Fortuner but this is more of an aspirational purchase.

BHPian hajaar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello All,

I am torn between these two cars (CDs are scheduled a couple of days from now, which will change this decision). This is for mostly long trips for a family of four.

Pros for GLA

1. I get a year-end discount
2. Merc badge (mother wanted it)
3. The interiors are fantasti
4. Transparent pricing
5. Reviews seem to indicate that the GLA is more powerful and comfortabl

Pros for X1

1. Latest model
2. Has massage seats and ADAS etc (GLA misses out on massage and has only collision braking)
3. Wireless CarPlay (the GLA has wired CarPlay)
4. Bigger boot

Both of these cars pale in comparison to my Fortuner but this is more of an aspirational purchase

Would love to know your thoughts on this. Also, the buyback scheme is a scam, right?  

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter

Between these two options, the GLA 220d is the superior. The X1's petrol engine is a triple cylinder with ordinary power ratings. Just about okay performance in the city, but it runs out of breath at highway speeds.

With the X1, the diesel is the motor of choice.

Here's what BHPian CarsAndDrives had to say on the matter:

I would skip both. GLA drives great and ticks most boxes, but it feels more like a hatchback and the boot space is a compromise. X1 on the other hand looks good, but the lacklustre engine makes it a big no-no.

I would suggest Q3 - it trumps both of these cars. Only one problem though is the end of model with new launch pending mid 2024. I would score it the best in the lot. These are based on my test drive impressions.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

BMW X1 petrol for highways with four people onboard is pretty much a non-starter.

Don't buy using any exhaustive comparison method. Between the X1/GLA diesels - see which design/look appeals to your family, test drive to check the space and comfort. In general, MB tends to come out as a better family car (brand preference, comfort oriented tires+suspension+gearbox, neutral/pleasing design).

Buy it with heart but ensure that the basics are in place (space, comfort, cost of ownership, etc.). Lack of wireless carplay, etc. should be a distant secondary consideration for a purchase that's aspirational.

Are you sure about the size/space of these cars given your family is coming from Fortuner ownership?

Here's what BHPian PaddleShifter had to say on the matter:

If the car is mainly for highway trips, go for the X1 mainly because of these two factors

• Better driving dynamics and steering feedback at highway speeds.
• bigger boot space.

As mentioned at numerous places on the forum, BMW offers a better service experience along with more reliable cars than the other two (Mercedes and Audi) among the main three manufacturers.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.