Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG GLAVS 2023 BMW X4 M

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLA have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X4 M doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

Both the AMG GLA and X4 M have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG GLA has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X4 M’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the AMG GLA and the X4 M have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLA’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLA gets better mileage than the X4 M:

The AMG GLA offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The X4 M doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The AMG GLA’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X4 M Competition’s 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the AMG GLA can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The X4 M doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG GLA’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The X4 M doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLA 35’s turning circle is 3.5 feet tighter than the X4 M’s (37.9 feet vs. 41.4 feet). The AMG GLA 45’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the X4 M’s (38.1 feet vs. 41.4 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLA may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the BMW X4 M.

The AMG GLA is 1 foot shorter than the X4 M, making the AMG GLA easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The AMG GLA has .5 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more rear headroom and 2.9 inches more rear legroom than the X4 M.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the X4 M, the AMG GLA has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The AMG GLA’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X4 M doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the AMG GLA to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The X4 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the AMG GLA has a standard rear wiper. The X4 M doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The AMG GLA offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the X4 M.

The AMG GLA has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X4 M doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the AMG GLA owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the AMG GLA will cost $3660 to $4030 less than the X4 M over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLA will be $14295 to $22398 less than for the BMW X4 M.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the AMG GLA first among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The X4 M isn’t in the top three.

The Mercedes GLA outsold the BMW X4 by 44% during 2022.