Compare the2024 BMW X4 MVS 2024 Mercedes AMG GLA

The BMW X4 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X4 M offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

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

The BMW X4 M weighs 739 pounds more than the Mercedes AMG GLA. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The X4 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLA’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X4 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG GLA.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 20 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X4 M’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 171 more horsepower (473 vs. 302) and 162 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 295) than the AMG GLA’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The X4 M Competition’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 201 more horsepower (503 vs. 302) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 295) than the AMG GLA’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The X4 M has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG GLA (17.2 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X4 M’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X4 M’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG GLA:

For better traction, the X4 M has larger tires than the AMG GLA (F:255/45R20 & R:265/45R20 vs. 235/50R19).

The X4 M’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLA’s standard 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X4 M has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG GLA.

The X4 M has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG GLA; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG GLA don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X4 M’s wheelbase is 5.4 inches longer than on the AMG GLA (112.8 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X4 M is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the AMG GLA.

The X4 M has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG GLA.

The X4 M has a much larger cargo volume than the AMG GLA with its rear seat up (18.5 vs. 15.4 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X4 M’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The engine in the X4 M is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the AMG GLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X4 M has standard extendable sun visors. The AMG GLA doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Both the X4 M and the AMG GLA have standard heated front seats. The X4 M also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the AMG GLA.

The X4 M will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X4 M will retain 54.4% of its original price after five years, while the AMG GLA only retains 53.9% to 54.09%.