2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2025 BMW X1 Comparison JMC Mercedes-Benz

For decades, luxury has been synonymous with excess. People wafted around in big-bodied sedans that loudly shouted their luxury pretensions. As time went on, this way of flaunting your wealth became less acceptable while buyers simultaneously started to prefer the superior practicality of an SUV. Luxury makers responded with smaller, less flashy models that provide a more "quiet luxury" approach. Two of the most popular are from legendary brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

When it comes to automotive luxury, there is no name more legendary than Mercedes-Benz. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA represents a unique combination of luxury, comfort, and incredible performance that makes it very difficult to compete with. The 2025 BMW X1 tries to do just that, but does it? Read on to find out, then browse our online inventory for available models near Lexington, KY.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA isn't just a pretty face. A 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine gives it the punch to back up the fantastic styling. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt starter generator for max efficiency it generates an impressive 220 horsepower. Available all-wheel drive means you can choose better traction if you need it or go for the superior fuel efficiency of two-wheel drive with excellent fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The 2025 BMW X1 has a similar powertrain setup and does have a bit more power than the GLA at 241. We expected, as a result, for it to be significantly faster and were supposed to find that it only leads the Mercedes-Benz GLA to 60 mph by less than one second. What's more, due to the fact that drivers cannot choose between two or four wheel drive, fuel economy suffers as the X1 only manages to deliver 23 mpg to the GLA's 24 mpg.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA and the 2025 BMW X1 both have solid safety ratings and loads of standard tech. However, we've noticed the BMW is lacking in a few key areas. See below to see how they stack up.

Safety Feature	2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA	2025 BMW X3
Active Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Attention Assist	Standard	Available
Adaptive Highbeam Assist	Standard	Available
Blind Spot Assist	Standard	Standard
Parktronic w/Active Parking Assist	Standard	Available
Crosswind Assist	Standard	Not Available

The interior of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA is what you'd expect from a brand as timeless as Mercedes-Benz: class and elegance. Circular vents adorn the cabin and light up at night via standard ambient lighting, allowing drivers to dial in their perfect ambiance. A single panel extends from the driver door almost to the passenger seat, containing two 10.3-inch screens. One houses the gauges, and the other handles radio and navigation prompts. Use the Mercedes Me app to warm the cabin remotely during those chilling winters in Lexington, KY.

The freshly redesigned 2025 BMW X1 has a nice interior as well, albeit not quite as classy as the one in the GLA. The cabin, while nicely laid out, is more sport than luxury, which may annoy some would-be buyers. In typical BMW fashion, almost every upscale feature is an optional extra, unlike the GLA, which comes standard with ambient lighting, remote start, and much more.

The new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA has proven itself to be the better choice over the 2025 BMW X1 when it comes to delivering next-gen innovations while upholding high standards of style, comfort, and elegance. This is the type of vehicle that becomes a future classic.

Take the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class for a Test Drive!

Witness the greatness of the new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA in person when you visit James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz. Call our helpful team today at (859) 268-1150 to learn more about this new-age SUV and how you can schedule your test drive. View our new inventory online to see what is currently available near Lexington, KY.