2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 BMW X1

Every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, no matter how big or small, is engineered and assembled with the same care and attention to detail. Our latest GLB compact luxury SUV is undoubtedly one of our finest examples and it was designed to meet and surpass all expectations our discerning customers may have.

The GLB is one of many small luxury SUVs on offer today on the Canadian market, another is the BMW X1. Although both are entry-level SUVs, they still feature a plethora of entertainment, driving and safety technologies. In this segment, there is no room for errors or cutting corners.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 and BMW X1 are both powered by frugal yet powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engines that deliver 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Though both feature an 8-speed transmission, the GLB’s dual-clutch transmission, with standard paddle shifters, is equally comfortable with efficient cruising as it is with spirited driving should the driver be in the mood.

AWD, a must in Canada, is standard on both vehicles. Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system and BMW’s xDrive can both distribute torque between the front and rear axles. The GLB’s rear wheels can receive up to 50% of the available torque when needed, ensuring optimal traction in all situation.

Mercedes-Benz believes in providing its customers with the best user experience and they delivers with the standard MBUX. This highly sophisticated technology includes a 7-inch digital cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen display, both of which can be optionally upgraded to 10.25-inch screens. The largest available screen in the X1 is an 8.8-inch display. The optional LINGUATRONIC voice control is capable of understanding natural language and can even learn new phrases over time, elevating the MBUX experience to a whole other level.

Now, despite the GLB’s compact exterior dimensions, it offers more front and rear legroom than the X1, and there’s more. The GLB can be equipped with an optional third row of seats, a unique feature in the segment. This increases the GLB’s seating capacity to 7 passengers. When the final row is not in use, it stows neatly into the floor, revealing a large trunk.

Styling wise, the BMW X1 is certainly attractive however the Mercedes-Benz GLB’s boxier stature and strong SUV proportions give it unmatched presence both when still or when in motion. Truly, the GLB combines the best of an SUV’s versatility and capabilities in a vehicle ideally sized for all adventures, both within and outside city limits.