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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs BMW X6

What's the difference?

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$42,990 - $82,995

2021 price

BMW X6
BMW X6

$134,888 - $279,900

2024 price

Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
2024 BMW X6
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.5L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Full suite of safety costs extra
  • Some quality lapses inside
  • Ride still unsettled even on optional adaptive dampers

  • Polarising exterior looks
  • Lots of good features embedded in extra-cost packages
  • Updated multimedia system takes a while to get used to
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Summary

ONE of the great motoring successes of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz GLA, catapulting the brand to unparalleled prominence in the premium small SUV field and kicking off the posh little coupe-hatch crossover craze.

Cynics might say that it is essentially a jumped-up A-Class hatchback, much like the Subaru XV is basically an Impreza in stilettos. But while the small German crossover is built on the same MFA2 platform as its smaller transverse-engined Benz brethren, no body panels are shared, granting it a distinct look and personality. Unlike the little Suby…

The H247-series GLA launched in Australia in 2020 is second-generation, featuring a longer wheelbase and appreciably more space, but a shorter overall length than the popular original from 2013. It's also substantially taller.

Here we take a long, hard look at the bestselling GLA 250 4Matic.

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2024 BMW X6 Summary

First launched in 2008, the BMW X6 created history (and a new car category) with its coupe styling on an SUV framework.

It was a polarising effort but one that opened up the SUV market for those wanting the size and presence of an SUV without compromising on the sporty styling of a smaller car.

The 2024 X6 has had a facelift and that brings a more athletic and robust kerb-side appeal that might swing a few fence sitters onto the side of liking it.

The already pleasant interior has been polished with extra customisations available on trims and accents. The technology has seen the biggest upgrade and it now features a more streamlined mild-hybrid component to the engine. It all positions the X6 well and truly within the rank of luxury.

For the last week I’ve been driving the mid-spec xDrive40i M Sport variant to see how the facelifted model holds its own against rivals, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI Dynamic Black and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic Coupe. 

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2024 BMW X6

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