The 2025 BMW X1 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB provide buyers with ample performance, style, and space so valuable in a small luxury SUV.
The two luxury leaders have been making significant gains in the small SUV realm, and the latest models certainly reflect those efforts to make these vehicles the best of the group.
Let’s take a closer look at these two luxury small SUVs.
2025 BMW X1
2024 model shown
Not surprisingly, the 2025 BMW X1 offers an impressive synthesis of performance, looks, technology, and luxury. On the outside, the X1 looks the part of a BMW, starting with the impossible-to-miss kidney grille. It’s upright without looking stiff.
Like many luxury vehicles, it features a curved, dual-screen dash — Live Cockpit Plus — that makes everything crystal clear and easy to reach. While the leather-and-technology-laden interior is a massive selling point, so is the cabin’s available space. There is ample room for five passengers. However, there is no third-row seat available as there is in the GLB.
Powered by a 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, BMW X1 xDrive28i drivers can have as much or as little fun as they want behind the wheel. Also, an upgrade to a specially tuned version of the same engine nets you 313 hp in the form of X1 M35i. Pricing begins at $42,125, including destination fees.
BMW X1 Highlights
Harman Kardon: This superb 12-speaker, 360-watt surround-sound system is part of the Premium package and includes several other desirable features.
Driver assists: Active Driving Assistant Pro includes assistance with lane changing, emergency stops (if the driver has a medical crisis), and evasive steering.
Two choices: Putting out 241 horses, the standard engine on the BMW X1 is a potent powerplant and will be better than fine for most drivers. However, if you are not “most drivers,” you can upgrade to the M35i and its 313-hp mill.
Read our BMW X1 Expert Review or see 2025 BMW X1 models for sale near you.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB
2024 model shown
Quiet, powerful, and spacious. All of the characteristics one wants in a luxury vehicle are indeed found in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB. It’s large enough to feature something most others in this class do not — a small third row.
With that third row down, you get a rather large cargo area even while carrying five passengers. If you do not opt for a third row, the second-row seats recline and slide forward and back.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the GLB 250 puts out 221 horsepower with better-than-average fuel economy at 27 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is an option with the GLB 250 4Matic. However, an AMG variant GLB 35 pushes the output to 302 hp if you want more power. Pricing starts at $46,950, including destination charges.
Mercedes-Benz GLB Highlights
MBUX: The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, infotainment system comes with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, and the ability to recognize voice commands given in natural speech. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also standard.
Stellar sound: Mercedes’ Burmester systems are among the best. The GLB offers a 12-speaker, 590-watt surround-sound version. It comes with Dolby Atmos technology for a more immersive experience that we think sounds better than the audio in the BMW X1.
Mercedes me: This app can lock and unlock the doors, locate the vehicle, and — if navigation is onboard — send directions from your phone to the car.
Read our Mercedes-Benz GLB Expert Review or see 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB models for sale near you.
Similarities
The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB enjoy simple but attractive exterior styling, which is characteristic of their current lineups. Each SUV features a load of convenience and safety technology that’s tough to match.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (77327)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,950 |
$44,888 |
|||
$48,950 |
$46,801 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 BMW X1 vehicles and New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 BMW X1 | 2025 Mercedes GLB | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder w/mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 256 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch/AWD | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/34 highway/28 combined | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | AWD/Tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 inches | 108.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 177.2 inches | 182.4 inches |
| Width | 7-speed dual-clutch/AWD | 74.8 inches |
| Height | 64.6 inches | 65.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.4 feet | 38.9 feet |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 42.1 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | 34.8 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 40.4 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.0 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | 29.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 56.1 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.1 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | 43.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume (to 3rd/2nd/Front Row) | N.A./25.7/46.9 cubic feet | 12.4/22.0/62.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
This contest is too close to call — save the $4,000 more the Mercedes-Benz GLB costs compared to the BMW X1. Otherwise, these two are like identical cousins. The BMW X1 is more affordable and has a more potent base engine, but the GLB has the perk of an available third row. Make sure to get behind the wheel of both for a prolonged period, then make your choice.
