Planning to buy a new entry-level petrol luxury crossover? Here's a quick spec-check between the petrol derivatives of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
There used to be a time when diesel engines were the default choice in the luxury car segment. Lately, though, petrol engines have been making a steady comeback in luxury vehicles sold in the country. And, that’s mainly because environmental bodies like the NGT (National Green Tribunal) are now keeping a close watch at emissions from diesel vehicles – especially the bigger and expensive ones – while, on the other hand, the difference in petrol and diesel fuel prices has also narrowed down by quite a bit in recent times.
The most surprising bit, however, is the fact that even SUVs and crossovers are now being offered with petrol engines. And the latest set of luxury crossovers which has now come with a petrol engine includes the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Time for a quick spec-check between the newcomers then - along with the third German, the Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol.
Engine & Performance:
BMW X1 | Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
Engine | 1,998cc/ 4-cylinder/ Turbocharged | 1,394cc/ 4-cylinder/ Turbocharged | 1,991cc/ 4-cylinder/ Turbocharged |
Transmission | 9 Speed Automatic/ Front-Wheel Drive | 6 Speed S-Tronic DCT auto/ Front Wheel Drive | 7 Speed DCT auto/ Front Wheel Drive |
Power | 189bhp @ 5,000rpm | 147.5bhp @ 5,000 - 6,000rpm | 181bhp @ 5,500rpm |
Torque | 290Nm @ 1,250 - 4,600rpm | 250Nm @ 1,500 - 3,500rpm | 300Nm @ 1,200- 1,400rpm |
0-100km/h | 7.7 seconds | 8.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
Dimensions:
BMW X1 | Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
Length (mm) | 4,439 | 4,388 | 4,417 |
Width (mm) | 2,060 | 2,019 | 2,022 |
Height (mm) | 1,612 | 1,608 | 1,494 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2,670 | 2,603 | 2,699 |
Features
Feature-wise, all three are decently kitted out. The GLA, however, doesn’t get full LED headlamps as the other two. Here’s a list of all the key features,
BMW X1 | Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
LED Headlmaps | Yes | Yes | No |
ABS/EBD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Electrically adjustable front seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spare wheel | No | Yes | Yes |
Start/Stop ignition button | Yes | No | No |
Air-conditioning | Dual-Zone | Dual-Zone | Dual-Zone |
Airbags | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Price:
The Audi Q3 is the most affordable of the trio, while the X1 is the most expensive, albeit there’s a price difference of around 1.5 lakh between the two. The Mercedes GLA sits comfortably in between the two.
BMW X1 sDrive xLine | Audi Q3 30 TFSI | Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 | |
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 35.75 lakh | Rs 34.20 lakh | Rs 35.17 lakh |