Verdict
The BMW X1 makes the stronger case for most Malaysian buyers: at RM252,800, it undercuts the RM290,888 Mercedes-Benz GLB by RM38,088 while bringing 201 hp, 300 Nm and a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time against 161 hp, 270 Nm and 9.3 seconds. Its RM439 annual road tax is far higher than the GLB's RM100, but the X1 also has a 476-litre boot and Parking Assistant. The GLB earns its premium for seven seats, a 137 mm longer wheelbase and a powered boot, although its stated boot space is only 130 litres.
The GLB GLB250 AMG Line (RM341,888) sits above every X1 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want substantially quicker performance, a 476-litre boot and RM38,088 left over from the purchase price.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if seven seats, a sliding second row, driver-seat memory and a powered boot matter more than outright pace.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM252,800; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Performance: BMW X1 201 hp, 300 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLB 161 hp, 270 Nm and 9.3 seconds.
- Seating and boot space: BMW X1 has 5 seats and 476 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLB has 7 seats and 130 litres.
- Wheelbase: BMW X1 2,692 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 2,829 mm.
- Annual road tax: BMW X1 RM439; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM100.
- Wheels: BMW X1 19-inch alloys; Mercedes-Benz GLB 18-inch alloys.
X1
- RM38,088 cheaper to buy
- 40 hp and 30 Nm more
- 476-litre boot and Parking Assistant
- Only five seats versus the GLB's seven
- RM439 annual road tax versus RM100
- No powered boot or driver-seat memory
GLB
- Seven seats with sliding second row
- Powered boot and driver-seat memory
- Seven airbags versus six
- RM38,088 more expensive
- Slower 9.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 130-litre boot versus the X1's 476 litres
What the X1 has over the GLB
What the GLB has over the X1
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The GLB's wheelbase is 137 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. Boot space favours the X1: 476 litres against 130.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800✓ | RM290,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM100✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM2,580/mo✓ | RM2,970/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM6,886✓ | RM7,811 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,866 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM14.33 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM50,954 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp at 5,000 rpm✓ | 161 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ | 270 Nm at 2,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 mm | 72.2 mm × 81.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds✓ | 9.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h✓ | 207 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,634 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,663 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,829 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,555 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | 26 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | 16 inch | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Mexico (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Front, front-side, rear) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C 3rd Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used X1 & GLB for sale
Our reviews & guides
BMW X1
Mercedes-Benz GLB
X1 vs GLB FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLB better?
The BMW X1 is the better buy for performance and luggage space, delivering 201 hp and a 476-litre boot for RM38,088 less. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB only if its seven-seat layout and longer 2,829 mm wheelbase are essential.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM252,800 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM290,888, so the GLB is RM38,088 more expensive.
Which one is better for a larger family?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the family choice because it has seven seats, a sliding 40:20:40 second row and a 50:50 folding third row. Its quoted boot space is 130 litres, however, versus 476 litres in the five-seat BMW X1.
Which one is locally assembled?
The X1 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the GLB is fully imported (CBU) from Mexico. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.
