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BMW X1 vs Mercedes GLS comparison

Compare performance (326 HP vs 404 HP), boot space and price (38,700 £ vs 92,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X1 or Mercedes GLS?

BMW X1 vs Mercedes GLS: Key differences

BMW X1

4.3 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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Mercedes GLS

  • a bit more power
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X1

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW X1 is considerably cheaper – starting at 38,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 54,005 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW X1 uses 2.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 5.4 L/100km.

GLS

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLS offers a bit more power – delivering 404 HP compared to 326 HP. That’s roughly 78 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X1 is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Mercedes GLS takes 5.6 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLS delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 477 Nm. That’s about 273 Nm more.

X1

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Mercedes GLS offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, BMW X1 is considerably lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 1,005 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW X1 offers clearly more boot space – 540 L compared to 355 L. That’s a difference of about 185 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries visibly more – 820 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 320 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW X1 is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,700
X1

BMW X1

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 136 - 326 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.5 - 7.7 L/100km
  • Electric Range 81 km
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BMW X1
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BMW X1
Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X1

The BMW X1 delivers BMW's sporty driving character in a compact premium crossover package, making daily driving both engaging and practical. With a refined cabin, flexible cargo space and composed handling, it's a smart choice for buyers who want luxury and versatility without compromise.

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Reviews BMW X1

4.3 (8 Reviews)
rate
Maria
23 Feb 2026, 10:18:11

The car has beautiful lines, superb grip, sheer driving pleasure, excellent interior trim, a large boot — pure classic.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Mercedes GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

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Reviews Mercedes GLS

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,700 - 56,200 £
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
57 - 175 g/km
co2
206 - 226 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,935 kg
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Trunk capacity
490 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
355 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,845 mm
Width
1,956 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
490 - 500 kg
Payload
810 - 820 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 326 HP
Power HP
336 - 404 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 477 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
100 - 240 kW
Power kW
247 - 297 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the BMW X1?

The BMW X1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.