2027 BMW X1 VS 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA: FULL COMPARISON AT GRAYSON BMW.
2027 BMW X1 xDrive28i delivers 241 hp and standard BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, giving it a 20-hp advantage and standard AWD compared with the 221-hp, front-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. BMW X1 also carries 25.7 cu ft of cargo behind the second row versus 15.4 cu ft in the GLA. This page breaks down the key numbers side by side so you can find the right vehicle in current BMW X1 inventory at Grayson BMW.
THE SHORT ANSWER.
2027 BMW X1 is the stronger choice for drivers who want standard all-wheel drive, more cargo room, and a higher-output standard engine without stepping up to another model for AWD. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 suits buyers who prioritize a smaller overall footprint, front-wheel-drive availability, and a mild-hybrid powertrain.
Both vehicles carry a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW X1 stands out in this comparison with standard BMW xDrive and substantially more cargo capacity, while Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is 3.6 inches shorter overall and returns one additional combined mpg in its front-wheel-drive configuration.
SPECS HEAD-TO-HEAD.
| Specification | 2027 BMW X1 xDrive28i | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo I-4 | 2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic | Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | BMW xDrive AWD standard | FWD standard; 4MATIC AWD available |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 6.8 sec, FWD |
| EPA city/hwy/combined | 25/34/28 mpg | 26/34/29 mpg, FWD |
| Length | 177.2 in | 173.6 in |
| Height | 64.6 in | 63.5 in |
| Cargo, second row up | 25.7 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo | 57.2 cu ft | 50.5 cu ft |
| Towing | Up to 3,499 lbs when properly equipped | Not Available |
| Seating | Five | Five |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | Four yr / 50,000 mi | Four yr / 50,000 mi |
Full 2027 BMW X1 specifications
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 with front-wheel drive returns 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. GLA 250 4MATIC is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while BMW X1 xDrive28i combines standard all-wheel drive with ratings of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
BMW AG preliminary test results. Actual acceleration results may vary depending on specification of vehicle, road and environmental conditions, testing procedures, and driving style. These results should be used for comparison only, and verification should not be attempted on public roads. BMW urges you to obey all posted speed laws and always wear safety belts.
PERFORMANCE AND POWERTRAIN.
BMW X1 xDrive28i produces 295 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm, compared with 258 lb-ft from 1,800 rpm in Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. BMW X1 xDrive28i reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 reaches 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. GLA 250 4MATIC reduces that figure to 6.6 seconds.
For drivers who want more output, BMW X1 M35i steps up to 312 hp and a 5.2-second 0-60 mph time through its BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine. The 2026 AMG GLA 35 produces 302 hp and reaches 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
BMW X1 M35i also includes an M steering wheel with paddle shifters and boost function paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A key structural difference is the drivetrain strategy. BMW xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on both 2027 BMW X1 models. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive as standard, while buyers who want all-wheel drive move to Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC.
INTERIOR, SPACE AND CARGO.
The cargo gap between these vehicles is one of the clearest practical differences in the comparison. Behind the second row, BMW X1 offers 25.7 cu ft compared with 15.4 cu ft in Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, a difference of 10.3 cu ft.
With the rear seats folded, BMW X1 reaches 57.2 cu ft versus 50.5 cu ft in Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Both vehicles seat five. BMW X1 xDrive28i measures 177.2 inches long compared with 173.6 inches for GLA 250, making BMW X1 3.6 inches longer. BMW X1 rear seating uses a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration for carrying different combinations of passengers and cargo.
Inside BMW X1, the cabin features an upholstered dash with contrast stitching, a frameless BMW Curved Display, metallic accents extending into the doors, and standard soft-touch Veganza upholstery.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 offers MB-Tex upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, and a power liftgate as standard equipment.
A Wireless Charging tray is standard on BMW X1. Mercedes-Benz lists inductive wireless charging and NFC pairing as optional equipment and includes the feature in the available Exclusive Trim package.
TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY.
Both vehicles use digital instrument displays, central touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, but their display layouts differ.
BMW X1 uses BMW Curved Display, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch Central Information Display in one frameless curved unit. BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW ConnectedDrive integrate voice control, connected services, and compatible vehicle functions.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 uses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display running Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
BMW X1 standard driver-assistance technology includes:
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Keeping Assistant
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Speed Limit Assist
- Active Park Distance Control with Side Protection
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 standard driver-assistance and safety technology includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and a rearview camera.
Mercedes-Benz offers Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and additional functions through the available Driver Assistance Package.
BMW X1 offers additional driver-assistance capability through available Driving Assistant Professional, including support for lane position and following distance in compatible driving situations. Available Parking Assistant Plus adds additional cameras with a 3D view of the vehicle's surroundings.
Driver assistance features are not a substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle safely. Always pay attention to traffic, surroundings, and road conditions. Weather, traffic, road conditions, cellular service, and map data may affect driver-assistance functionality.
VALUE AND OWNERSHIP.
BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA each carry a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The drivetrain distinction starts with standard equipment. BMW X1 xDrive28i includes BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, while Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 comes standard with front-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz buyers who want all-wheel drive select GLA 250 4MATIC.
BMW X1 also includes a standard Wireless Charging tray. Wireless charging is optional on Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and is included with equipment such as the available Exclusive Trim package.
Fuel economy remains close. Front-wheel-drive GLA 250 returns 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined mpg. BMW X1 xDrive28i returns 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg while including AWD as standard. GLA 250 4MATIC is rated at 25 city / 33 highway mpg.
BMW X1 carries a 14.3-gallon fuel tank compared with 13.5 gallons in Mercedes-Benz GLA 250.
BMW X1 can also tow up to 3,499 lbs when properly equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch. Mercedes-Benz does not publish towing figures for the GLA.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY.
CHOOSE THE 2027 BMW X1 IF:
You want standard BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. You regularly use the cargo area and value the 25.7 cu ft available behind the second row. You want 241 hp and 295 lb-ft from the standard powertrain. You want the ability to tow a properly equipped small trailer or recreational load within the vehicle's rated capacity. You also want a standard Wireless Charging tray without adding an option package.
CHOOSE THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 250 IF:
You prefer the smaller 173.6-inch exterior footprint. You do not need all-wheel drive and prefer a front-wheel-drive configuration. You want the 221-hp mild-hybrid powertrain and its 29-mpg combined EPA rating in front-wheel-drive form. You also may prefer the MBUX interface and Mercedes-Benz virtual voice assistant.
AT THE PERFORMANCE-MODEL LEVEL:
BMW X1 M35i produces 312 hp and reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. AMG GLA 35 produces 302 hp and reaches 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. BMW X1 M35i holds a 10-hp output advantage, while AMG GLA 35 has a 0.1-second advantage in the manufacturers' published acceleration figures.
Both are performance-oriented compact SUVs with model-specific chassis, drivetrain, and design equipment.
SEE THE 2027 BMW X1 AT GRAYSON BMW IN KNOXVILLE.
Grayson BMW serves drivers throughout Knoxville and the surrounding region and carries current 2027 BMW X1 inventory. Check current stock online to see which models and configurations are available, compare equipment in person, or arrange a test drive at a time that works for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Does the 2027 BMW X1 come standard with AWD?
Yes. BMW xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on BMW X1 xDrive28i and BMW X1 M35i. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive.
Which has more cargo space, BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA?
BMW X1 provides more cargo capacity. Behind the second row, BMW X1 offers 25.7 cu ft versus 15.4 cu ft in Mercedes-Benz GLA, a difference of 10.3 cu ft. Maximum cargo capacity is 57.2 cu ft in BMW X1 versus 50.5 cu ft in Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How does the 2027 BMW X1 fuel economy compare with Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
Front-wheel-drive GLA 250 returns 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined mpg. BMW X1 xDrive28i returns 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg with standard all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC returns 25 city / 33 highway mpg.
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 BMW X1?
BMW X1 can tow up to 3,499 lbs when properly equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch. Mercedes-Benz does not list a U.S. towing-capacity figure for GLA 250 on its current specifications page.
What does BMW X1 M35i offer that BMW X1 xDrive28i does not?
BMW X1 M35i uses a 2.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder producing 312 hp, compared with 241 hp in BMW X1 xDrive28i. BMW X1 M35i reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds versus 6.2 seconds for BMW X1 xDrive28i. It also adds BMW M-specific styling and performance equipment, including an M Sport exhaust with quad tips, M steering wheel with paddle shifters, and available M Sport seats.
Is BMW Curved Display standard on the 2027 BMW X1?
Yes. BMW Curved Display combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch Central Information Display in a single curved unit.
Does BMW X1 warranty coverage match Mercedes-Benz GLA warranty coverage?
Both vehicles carry a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Can I find 2027 BMW X1 inventory at Grayson BMW in Knoxville?
Yes. Grayson BMW in Knoxville carries current 2027 BMW X1 inventory. Browse available BMW X1 vehicles or contact the dealership to confirm current model and equipment availability.