Verdict
The BMW X1 is the sharper numbers-led choice: its 201 hp and 300 Nm cut the 0-100 km/h time to 7.6 seconds, against the GLB’s 161 hp, 270 Nm and 9.3 seconds. The RM38,088 gap buys the GLB two extra seats, a 2,829-mm wheelbase and a sliding second row, useful for families. Yet its stated 130-litre boot is far smaller than the X1’s 476 litres. BMW annual road tax is RM439 versus RM100 for the Mercedes-Benz. Pick based on how often all seven seats are needed.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want 201 hp, a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time and a 476-litre boot in a five-seat SUV.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if carrying up to seven people matters more than outright pace and luggage capacity.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM252,800; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Power and torque: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 161 hp and 270 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X1 7.6 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLB 9.3 seconds.
- Seats and boot space: BMW X1 five seats and 476 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLB seven 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.
X1
- 201 hp and 300 Nm
- 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- 476-litre boot and Parking Assistant
- Five seats versus seven
- 45-litre fuel tank versus 52 litres
- RM439 annual road tax versus RM100
GLB
- Seven seats with sliding second row
- 2,829-mm wheelbase
- Powered boot and driver-seat memory
- RM38,088 higher purchase price
- 161 hp and 9.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 130-litre boot versus 476 litres
| 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✓ |
| 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✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 270 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 72.2 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 |
| 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 | Front, front-side, rear | 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 | 5 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.
Used X1 & GLB for sale
X1 vs GLB FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLB better?
The BMW X1 is better for performance and luggage space, with 201 hp, 7.6-second acceleration and a 476-litre boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is better if you need seven seats and its sliding second row.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM252,800 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM290,888. The GLB is RM38,088 more expensive.
Which has more luggage space?
The BMW X1 has more stated luggage space at 476 litres, compared with 130 litres for the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
