Spec Comparo: BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The latest iteration of the BMW X1 is here at a price tag that starts at Rs 35.9 lakh ex- showroom for the entry level petrol and goes all the way up to Rs 42.9 lakh for the top-spec diesel. The X1 has become the bestseller in the entry-level luxury SUV segment after the F48 was launched about three years ago by virtue of its size, looks and the fact that it has changed with time to adopt to the changing buyer choices. It competes against the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Volvo XC40. So, we pitch these cars against each other, spec by spec, to find out how the X1 fares, at least on paper.

Dimensions and styling

Visually, the BMW X1 looks bigger than the rest and it reflects in the numbers as well. The X1 at 4439mm in length is the longest of the lot and with its refreshed looks is the newest for the lot followed by the Volvo XC 40. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q3 have been around for quite a while and the Merc is expected to get a makeover by the end of this year. Also, the boxier looks and the larger grille might appeal to the brawn-loving Indian buyer.

Engine and Performance

The BMW X1 is being offered with the BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options developing over 190PS of power each and 280Nm and 400Nm torque respectively. The Audi Q3 gets a smaller 1.4-litre turbo-petrol that develops 150PS of power and 250Nm of torque while it gets a 2.0-litre diesel that develops 187PS of power. On the other hand, the Mercedes gets a 2.2-litre diesel engine in two states of tune, 135PS and 170PS and a 184PS 2.0-litre petrol engine. Finally, the Volvo gets only a petrol mill which is also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant and develops over 192PS.

Drivetrains

AS for the gearboxes, the BMW gets two options, 7-speed dual-clutch for the petrol and an 8-speed unit for the diesel. As of now, there isn't an all-wheel drive option on the X1 just like the Volvo which comes with an 8-speed gearbox. Mercedes offers all-wheel drive only on the 170PS diesel and all the engines come mated to a 7-speed gearbox. Audi also offers all-wheel drive on the higher-spec 35TDI diesel and gets a 7-speed automatic on diesel engine options and a 6-speed automatic for the petrol.

Pricing

Coming to the most important part, the X1 at Rs 35.9 lakhs has been priced competitively with the entry-level trim just about Rs 1 lakh more as compared to the relatively older Mercedes and Audi models. The top-spec petrol is cheaper than the Volvo which is at Rs 39.9 lakhs.

The top-spec diesel of the BMW X1 is pegged at Rs 42.9 lakh ex-showroom which is slightly lower than the Audi Q3, but that gets an all-wheel drive. The Mercedes also gets all-wheel drive, but is smaller in size and also gets lower power.