Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 BMW X1 VS 2014 Mercedes GLK-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X1 xDrive’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The GLK-Class doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the X1 and the GLK-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and available all wheel drive.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the GLK-Class’ (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X1 for 4 years and 50,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GLK-Class.

There are over 12 percent more BMW dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X1’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without their vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports predicts that the X1’s reliability will be 22% better than the GLK-Class.

The X1 xDrive35i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6 cyl. produces 27 lbs.-ft. more torque (300 vs. 273) than the GLK-Class’ 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the X1 xDrive35i is faster than the Mercedes GLK-Class:

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better fuel mileage than the GLK-Class:

Regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GLK-Class doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X1 has a gallon more fuel capacity than the GLK-Class Diesel’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X1’s optional 225/35R19 front and 255/30R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLK-Class’ optional 45 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X1 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The GLK-Class doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X1 xDrive28i xDrive handles at .81 G’s, while the GLK350 4MATIC pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X1 xDrive35i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the GLK350 4MATIC (26.7 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

The BMW X1 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 550 pounds less than the Mercedes GLK-Class.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X1’s rear seats recline. The GLK-Class’ rear seats don’t recline.

Insurance will cost less for the X1 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X1 will cost $490 to $1345 less than the GLK-Class over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the X1 is less expensive to operate than the GLK-Class because it costs $1467 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the X1 than the GLK-Class, including $54 less for an alternator, $299 less for a starter, $105 less for fuel injection, $523 less for a timing belt/chain and $118 less for a power steering pump.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X1 will be $167 to $7388 less than for the Mercedes GLK-Class.