Mercedes-Benz recently launched the second-generation GLA in India. The crossover comes with an all-new chassis and powertrain options. There are two petrol engine options, the 200 Progressive Line variant and the top-end sporty GLA 35 while the diesel powertrain is offered in two variants, the 220d Progressive Line and 220d AMG Line. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA will compete with the likes of the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1, in India and globally as well. To see how GLA fares against the latter two, today we have this specification comparison of the new GLA against the XC40 and the X1.
Variants and Pricing
Looking at the three crossovers’ variants and prices, The BMW X1 gets the choice of a petrol or diesel engine but doesn’t offer an AWD layout even in the top-end 20d M Sport variant. The Volvo XC40 is available in only one variant in India, the T4 R-design variant, which comes with a feature list on par with its rivals but also misses out on an AWD system. The Volvo doesn’t offer a diesel engine either. The GLA, in comparison, offers an AWD system in the 220 4Matic AMG variant, while there’s a fully-fledged AMG variant in the GLA 35 as well.
Also read: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class launched at Rs 63.60 lakh!
Prices for the BMW X1 range between Rs 38.50-42.60 lakh while the Volvo XC40 is priced at Rs 41.25 lakh. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is more expensive comparatively, with a starting price of Rs 42.10 lakh for the GLA 200 while the 220d 4Matic AMG Line is priced at Rs 46.70. The flagship GLA 35 AMG variant will set you back by Rs 57.3 lakh. Do note that all prices mentioned are ex-showroom.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Vs Volvo XC40 vs BMW X1 Specifications
As mentioned above, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s crossovers are offered with a diesel powertrain. Below is a power figures table of the diesel models only:
| Diesel variants | Mercedes-Benz GLA | BMW X1 |
| Displacement | 1950cc in-line four-cylinder | 1995cc in-line four-cylinder |
| Power | 188bhp at 3,800rpm | 188bhp at 4,000rpm |
| Torque | 400Nm between 1,600-2,600rpm | 400Nm between 1,750-2,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed torque convertor automatic |
| All-wheel-drive | Yes | No |
| 0-100km/hr (claimed) | 7.3seconds | 7.9seconds |
| Topspeed (claimed) | 219km/hr | – |
Both the GLA and X1 have a similar engine capacity and makes identical power and torque figures. Even in the 0-100 kmph acceleration times, there’s only half a second of difference. The only advantage the GLA has is the AWD system. Following is the specifications table of the petrol variants of the crossover that includes the Volvo XC40 as well:
| Petrol variants | Mercedes-Benz GLA | BMW X1 | Volvo XC40 |
| Displacement | 1332cc in-line four-cylinder | 1998cc in-line four-cylinder | 1969cc in-line four-cylinder |
| Power | 160bhp at 5,500rpm | 189bhp between 5,000-6,000rpm | 187bhp |
| Torque | 280Nm between 1,620-4,000rpm | 280Nm between 1,350-4,600rpm | 300Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-100km/hr (claimed) | 8.7 seconds | 7.7 seconds | – |
| Topspeed (claimed) | 210km/hr | – | 180km/hr (electronically limited) |
Among the three, the GLA has the smallest engine that is also short on peak power though peak torque figures are on par with the other two. With the smaller engine, the GLA could offer higher fuel efficiency than its competition. All three crossovers in their petrol variants do not benefit from an AWD system.
Also read: Mercedes’s Plan for 2021 – 15 New Products!
Features
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with the automaker’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command feature. This AI-based system is the first of its kind in its segment. The BMW X1 even misses out on Android Auto, only offering Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth for connectivity options. The Volvo XC40 is offered with features like oncoming lane mitigation, pedestrian safety warning, and lane departure mitigation.
Also read: BMW 6 Series GT launched at Rs 67.90 lakh!
Even though the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40 undercut the Mercedes-Benz GLA in terms of pricing, both the former crossovers are an older generation models. The second-generation GLA offers more advanced features and newer powertrain options compared to its rivals. Coupled that with Mercedes-Benz’s seven-year standard warranty plan that can be transferred to the next owner, the initial cost premium doesn’t seem that high anymore.
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