Which Is Best Luxury SUV to Buy: BMW X1, Mercedes GLA And Audi Q3

Interior:

The X1 has an excellent interior with high quality materials, beautiful looks and excellent usability. The infotainment system is great too, whether you get the standard 6.5-inch screen or opt for the 8.8-inch display coupled with the extra navigation package.

The Audi’s cabin looks sturdy and feels good, but the design is a slightly old and the infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as with BMW. The Mercedes’ interior looks sportier than the other two alternatives.

 Practicality:

Once again, the X1 emerges on the top in terms of the practicality. It has the biggest boot, with no load lip and ample underfloor storage. Plus, there’s a variety of cubicles and storage bins. It’s comfortable in the back for passengers, with lots of area and the choice to slide or recline the seats. The broad bench is sufficient to seat three passengers.

The Q3’s boot is the smallest of the three, but it’s even big enough for a family holiday. There’s an adequate amount of passenger space in the rear with normal knee and headroom, although the narrower body may make it tight for three people. There are lots of storage spaces and tall windows make it feel nice and light.

The GLA’s boot is second best but there are useful storage nets and tethering points in the boot and lots of cubbies dotted around the cabin. The boot opening is bigger than the Q3’s but the capacity is smallest with the seats folded. There’s ample room for adults in the back but it feels dark. Its narrower body and bulky front seats makes it little more impact for knee and shoulder room.

Engines:

The engine tested in the X1 was the nippy 231hp 2.0-litre 25d model with the two-wheel drive. It covers 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds but is perhaps quick and costly for most buyers and merely returned 16.5Km. Most will be better off going for a lower-powered diesel model and we’d suggest the eight-speed automatic gearbox that drives the car a comfort to drive.

Audi’s small SUV comes with an impressive range of engines, with the 2.0-litre diesel on test feeling suitably speedy and relaxed at speed. Claimed fuel economy figures of 50mpg weren’t achieved, with the car returning 17km in the test. Buyers who don’t cover very high mileages will perhaps be better delivered by the 1.4-litre turbo petrol with the two-wheel drive.

Many will prefer for diesel models in the GLA for better fuel economy, but they can be a bit noisy. The 2.0-litre petrol engine on test had great with lots of performance, although it failed to reach the claimed 18.2km, instead returning just 12.3km. Four-wheel drive is optional, but most are better off going for two-wheel drive models to save money. The manual gearboxes aren’t perfect, but the automatics makes up for it.

Driving:

On the road, the X1 is the most fun to drive. It takes sharp steering, solid control and strong levels of comfort too–especially with the adaptive dampers. There’s a bit of tyre roar at speed but, overall, it’s good fun to drive. 

The Q3 isn’t as exciting to drive. Handling is easy to get used to and good visibility makes it easy to drive around town. It’s refined and, provided you avoid larger alloy wheels and sports suspension, glides over all but the jagged bumps.

The GLA isn’t as sporty as it looks, but it is a convenient car to be in and drive. The steering doesn’t feel as sharp or reactive and it can be a bit noisy, especially if you go for a diesel model. The automatic gearbox changes gear without any trouble but can be lazy sometimes until pushed – at which point it can jerk forward a little alarmingly if you’re not ready for it.

Verdict:

The BMW X1 wins this test for its impressive mix of practicality, style and riding quality. The Audi isn’t as exciting to drive but is a strong, well-made all-rounder when compared to BMW, while the GLA has style but is the most compromised of the three.