On the floor, the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive is one more entrant into the crowded small SUV scene. However true rivals are very exhausting to search out. With a compelling beginning worth simply south of $50,000 (earlier than vacation spot) and a give attention to efficiency, few small SUVs ship a jolt of adrenaline and efficiency chops just like the X1 M35i will. There may be, nevertheless, one very shut rival. As destiny would have it, it’s from maybe the obvious rival a BMW might have – Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is a fast little compact SUV with many similarities to the M-tuned X1. Can the X1 M35i maintain a candle to the present default king of the recent compact luxurious SUV phase?
BMW X1 M35i xDrive vs. AMG GLA 35: Efficiency
The new new X1 will get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine below the hood. Good for 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, it’ll scoot the X1 from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.2 seconds. Prime pace is restricted to 155 mph. These lamenting the lack of the dual-clutch computerized transmission in M merchandise can nonetheless discover it right here, full with Sport Increase performance.
The AMG GLA 35 reportedly additionally flies from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It, too, is restricted to 155 mph. Just like the 2024 X1 M35i xDrive, there’s a turbo 2.0-liter beneath all of it. You’ll even discover a dual-clutch transmission right here, albeit with eight speeds as a substitute of seven. After all, they’re each all-wheel drive, too.
So…what’s the distinction? Nicely, there isn’t a complete lot of them. Each include 19-inch alloy wheels. The AMG GLA 35 ran a 12.4-second quarter mile time, which might be proper the place the X1 M35i xDrive shall be. The AMG GLA 35’s lowest curb weight is 3653 kilos, round 150 lower than what BMW states for the hot-rod X1 (3,790 kilos). The most important efficiency distinction could possibly be the brakes, particularly with the non-obligatory M Compound Brakes obtainable on the X1. The meaty four-piston, 15.2-inch entrance, and single-piston 13.0-inch rear models are spectacular. They’ll possible outshine the AMG GLA 35’s {hardware}, with smaller 13.8-inch models up entrance and 13-inchers within the rear.
BMW X1 M35i xDrive vs. AMG GLA 35: Practicality and House
Each the X1 and the GLA are completely sensible automobiles. Each provide the pliability of all-wheel drive, and each present sufficient room to comfortably seat 5 passengers. Fold down the seats, and the BMW X1 will get 57.2 cubic toes of storage, whereas the AMG GLA 35 solely presents 50.5 cubic toes. The X1 supplies extra entrance headroom (42.1 vs. 40.8 inches), entrance shoulder room (56.1 vs. 55.9 inches), and second-row head and shoulder room. The AMG GLA 35 presents barely extra legroom throughout.
Consolation isn’t the factor that both of those automobiles excels at. Each provide sport-tuned suspension programs that prioritize the dynamics of the automobile. Within the AMG GLA 35, it’s an AMG Journey Management unit with three-stage damping. The X1 M35i xDrive will get an Adaptive M Suspension. Total, the X1 M35i xDrive appears barely extra sensible due to its elevated cargo quantity and extra people-friendly inside.
BMW X1 M35i xDrive vs. AMG GLA 35: Worth and Accessible Options
The 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive begins at $49,900, and the present AMG GLA 35 SUV begins at $49,500. After vacation spot charges, you’ll pay $50,895 for the X1 and $50,650 for the AMG. So, on the floor, they’re about the identical. Nevertheless, the GLA is lacking every kind of stuff you get normal on the X1 M35i xDrive. Navigation comes normal on the X1 – due to the all-new iDrive Working System 9 – a $1,300 possibility for the GLA. SiriusXM comes free for a 12 months on the X1, remaining non-obligatory on the GLA.
Each the GLA and the X1 M35i xDrive provide a ton of driver help options. They share normal aids like Blind Spot Warning, computerized wipers, and traction/stability management. Lane Departure Warning and wi-fi machine charging are solely normal on the X1. Each speedy SUVs provide adaptive cruise management and surround-view cameras in numerous packages. Total, the X1 delivers a greater worth – bringing extra normal gear and providing simply as some ways to customise your automobile.
Design Comparability: BMW X1 M35i xDrive vs. AMG GLA 35
Appears are all the time subjective and solely typically essential, however with rivals this shut, all the things counts. The entrance finish of the X1 M35i xDrive presents a way more aggressive look than the GLA 35, that includes extra angular air intakes within the backside of the bumper, narrower headlights, and a still-regular-looking kidney grille. The boxier dimensions do a great job of giving the X1 a burly, standoffish look that the GLA’s elegant strains and curves don’t actually match.
The aspect profile of the X1 continues the boxy pattern with color-matched fender flares and aspect skirts. The result’s a extra premium look than the GLA 35, which presents black trim items that distinction oddly with the paint. Wheel selections are nice between each, though the obtainable 21-inch wheels on the AMG look type of ridiculous. The trendy, built-in door handles give the X1 a extra up to date look than the old-school ones (obtainable in chrome…yuck) on the AMG.
Within the again, we see the long-lasting quad exhaust that clearly separates the X1 M35i xDrive from its brethren. The AMG will get twin tailpipes not removed from what you’ll discover on the common X1 xDrive28i. Each obtain trendy brake and tail mild designs, although the X1’s lighting signature is barely extra aggressive.
Inside, the 2 are surprisingly related. Each get a dashboard of infotainment screens, with a configurable digital gauge cluster and separate central data show that management all the things from the local weather management to drive modes. The AMG’s steering wheel appears a bit extra premium than the X1’s, though maybe additionally extra cluttered. I’d wager a guess that the usual Sport Seats on the X1 M35i xDrive shall be a bit extra bolstered than the common AMG seats. It is going to be nearer between the non-obligatory M Sport chairs and the obtainable $3,270 AMG Efficiency Seats.
Verdict: BMW X1 M35i xDrive vs. AMG GLA 35
Total, the X1 M35i xDrive appears to do nearly all the things the AMG CLA 35 can do. With so many similarities, it comes right down to options and packaging. Your splendid X1 M35i xDrive possible is available in a bit inexpensive than a equally geared up GLA. I even have a hunch that the X1 shall be a bit extra enjoyable to drive.
That mentioned, these two automobiles are distinctive. Nothing else at this worth vary within the phase delivers comparable efficiency and options. Both method, we look ahead to test-driving the most popular new X1 very quickly.
