BMW X2 PHEV against Mercedes GLA 250e: Two plug-in SUVs in a duel

Now X2 and GLA are also connected to the electricity. BMW and Mercedes are electrifying their compact SUVs and will offer them as plug-in hybrids from July and September respectively. The two luxury brands show that different paths can ultimately lead to the same goal.

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When choosing a petrol engine, the two competitors part ways – and surprise both. Mercedes has opted for a classic four-cylinder turbo, but the engine has to make do with «only» 1.3 liters of displacement instead of the expected 1.5 or 2.0 liters. BMW, on the other hand, uses 1.5 liters of displacement, but in a three-cylinder turbo. In terms of performance, this clearly lags behind the four cylinders of the Mercedes: 160 to 125 hp.

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Where is the electric motor?

With 75 kW (102 hp) and 70 kW (95 hp), Mercedes is also just ahead of the pack when it comes to electric motors. In the end, however, the X2 is the more powerful plug-in SUV. In terms of system performance, it can add the engine power of the front and electric rear axles to 220 hp (162 kW). In the GLA, on the other hand, the electric motor is positioned between the petrol engine and the 8-speed dual clutch automat. Therefore, the power cannot simply be added – which leads to a minimally lower system power of 218 hp (160 kW). After all: In terms of torque, the Mercedes is ahead with 450 to 385 Nm.

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With the different construction of the hybrid drive, the Mercedes is a coarser handicap than just a little less system performance. The GLA 250e is only available with front-wheel drive. The new platform for the front-wheel drive models from Mercedes introduced with the A-Class is not flexible enough for 4×4. The situation is different with the BMW X2 25e: the electrically driven rear axle drives all four wheels.

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At eye level

Otherwise, the differences between the two hybrid SUVs are limited. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h and the top are practically identical (see table). The differences in the loading volume balance each other out. While the X2 has the larger normal trunk, the GLA holds more when the rear seats are folded down. Even with the consumption after the first 100 kilometers and with a full battery, the two are at eye level.

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So let’s get to the heart of every plug-in: reach. Who has the longer breath purely electrically with a full battery until they have to burn to the socket or fuel again? According to Mercedes, after 60 kilometers the GLA cannot continue electrically. With the X2, however, the current is only sufficient for 53 kilometers. With more electrical range and a more modern cockpit (the X2 does not yet have completely digital instruments), the Mercedes can compensate for its 4×4 handicap.

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Conclusion

The two plug-in crossovers are equal. The Mercedes GLA can drive a bit further purely electrically, but the BMW X2 scores with 4×4. Otherwise, only brand or design are decisive for one or the other plug SUV.

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