Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 - Jekyll and Hyde

The reference being this particular segment of cars that give us two distinct personalities in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1 as we unravel their unique characteristics.

Robert Stevenson’s famous novel depicting two sides of the same person may have been inspired by good and evil but when it comes to modern day cars, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between them. With no evil intent in day-to-day daily drivers and only motoring goodness to be enjoyed, our subjects for this road test too have much in common. 2-litre diesel engines producing identical power outputs and focused on the SUV theme in compact dimensions, the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA try to entice you with their features and practicality in ways where you won’t be wrong in picking either of the two. We however, would beg to differ as both cars have their unique personalities to appeal towards different kinds of drivers.

There’s a sense of occasion as you step into the updated cabin of the GLA with the twin 10.25-inch displays that make up the infotainment and instrument cluster screens. The touch and feel of the materials, the feeling of space and even the multitude of colours of the ambient lighting make the largely monotone black interior come alive. Brushed steel trims on our test car look decidedly modern while wooden inlays too are available as an option if you so desire. It’s a place where you could see yourself content in comfort for miles on end. Behind the steering wheel is where you’d find maximum happiness. The contoured sport seats equipped as standard on the GLA 220d 4MATIC, draped in man-made leather and microfiber cocoon you in comfort, enhanced by the seat kinetics on offer that gently massage your back to delay fatigue, easily controlled through the intuitive MBUX infotainment system.