X2 M35i vs GLA45

[M3eater]

Hi all, I was hoping for a little help and advice choosing between the two above cars. I'm a disabled driver so i'm looking for a sports crossover vehicle. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the above two vehicles. Test driving them probably won't be an option so i'm trying to get as much info as possible before making the choice. I plan on tuning the vehicle in the future also. I'm leaning towards the X2 mainly because of the reports of the slow transmission in the 45 AMG models. The GLA45 has 380bhp and 350 ft lbs of torque whereas the BMW has 330 ft lbs of torque which seems pretty close to the Merc but only has 306 bhp. I think basically means the BMW can pull harder? And if modified will have a higher potential than the GLA45 in terms of torque? The X2 has a B48 engine, i'm thinking 400bhp should be possible with this? I'd just like any thoughts or experiences with the above thank you for any help!

[SWoll]

Are we talking brand new cars? If so I'd avoid the GLA as it's due a massive overhaul in the next 12 months in line with the new A-Class which will bring with it the hugely improved interior and tech.

I don't know about the X2, but for £40K+ I'd be considering the Porsche Macan S as well personally. Best car of the 3 and hold their value very well.

[M3eater]

SWoll said:

Are we talking brand new cars? If so I'd avoid the GLA as it's due a massive overhaul in the next 12 months in line with the new A-Class which will bring with it the hugely improved interior and tech.

I don't know about the X2, but for £40K+ I'd be considering the Porsche Macan S as well personally. Best car of the 3 and hold their value very well.

Yes new cars. The guy at Mercedes told me about the new A class updates. I'm pretty sure he said the GLA was going to be discontinued? He mentioned the A35 to me which is lovely but just not what i'm after. I will check out the Porsches but they feel a little too 'grown up' for me and i'm not sure how much tuneability they have? Thanks for the help

[SWoll]

Turbocharged 3.0 V6 so plenty of scope for tuneability. DMS quote 415/420 with just an ECU tune.

http://www.dmsautomotive.com/upgrades/porsche-maca...

[M3eater]

Just having a look at them now. Seems like you're looking at about 50k for a used one. Very pricey lol. I'll continue looking through but I don't think i'm a Porsche kinda guy. It may seem crazy spending that kind of money on the other vehicles but I've been informed that I can get them VAT exempt as i'm registered disabled. So that does change things

[ZX10R NIN]

Size wise is an Audi RS Q3 okay? You won't get a brand new one as this is a car affected by the WLTP at the moment.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or a last of the line Petrol SQ5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alpina XD3 BiTurbo pricey but what a car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Milano

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

[M3eater]

I had my heart set on the RSQ3 for a while but when i saw the interior of the newer cars i changed my mind. The fact that they are a little rare was appealing at first but i thought it may just cause issues if i ever need parts etc. The frontrunner really looks like the GLA45 right now but with the new models coming it seems i hope they do a great deal for me. I've been on the site but it doesn't actually seem like you can build one to your spec anymore. I'm guessing this is due to the new one's impending release?

[MOBB]

What about the Audi SQ2? 300bhp, bit smaller than the 2 cars you listed though?

[M3eater]

MOBB said:

What about the Audi SQ2? 300bhp, bit smaller than the 2 cars you listed though?

I've not considered them before tbh. I stopped looking at Audis as my local dealer said they didn't do the VAT exemption for disabled drivers. I need to pop down to another dealer as i want to atleast view an RS3 in person before i take the sensible route and go for the suv.

[thrashx]

The current GLA is pretty dated inside and isn't the best quality either, I've had them as loan cars a couple of times and they were all quite rattley and noisy. Speaking to someone at MB I was told there will be a facelift but it's unlikely to be this year and they haven't heard anything about it yet.
There is also the GLB coming out soon which could be worth considering?

[ArsE92]

The VAT relief is only applicable under certain conditions. Have a read here.

[Minimoto]

The new GLA will likely be on the roads early next year. Recent pictures of it undergoing winter testing were online a few days ago. As stated above it's pretty much at the end of it's current life cycle so unless you're getting major discounts I would suggest waiting, or possibly buying a pre-reg if your heart was set on it. The X2 is a more modern car with fairly decent reviews. The SQ2 is closer in comparison to the X2 than the GLA, but strangely for an Audi the interior quality is sub par (think VW polo - scratchy plastics) if that sort of thing bothers you. There will be a VW T-ROC R out soon which will be similar to the Audi but obviously cheaper. Aside from the Mini Countryman I think that's it on the market for small performance SUVs.

Edited by Minimoto on Friday 31st May 14:20

Edited by Minimoto on Friday 31st May 14:20

[M3eater]

thrashx said:

The current GLA is pretty dated inside and isn't the best quality either, I've had them as loan cars a couple of times and they were all quite rattley and noisy. Speaking to someone at MB I was told there will be a facelift but it's unlikely to be this year and they haven't heard anything about it yet.
There is also the GLB coming out soon which could be worth considering?

I do like the interior although i've heard a number of similar complaints about rattles etc. I wish i could wait for the newer models as the A35 interior really is lovely. I saw an article about the GLB where they also mentioned the new GLA45 which will be following sometime over the next 12 months. My thoughts were to go for the current model and keep it for the next 2 years until the new model has been out for 12 months and any possible niggles have been ironed out.

[Shiv_P]

The GLA interior is really quite poor. I'd avoid it based on that alone

[M3eater]

Shiv_P said:

The GLA interior is really quite poor. I'd avoid it based on that alone

I'm quite surprised to hear comments like this. I thought most of the reviews for the GLA were pretty positive besides the earlier models and the transmission. I guess maybe it depends what you are used to interior wise? I'm coming from an 08 Cupra K1 which was very basic inside. It makes the GLA look like Starship enterprise inside. I have spotted a used 2019 model with pretty much the spec i'd go for and they're asking for 40k for it. With about 300 miles on the clock. With the discount I think i'd be looking at close to 30k for it. Seems like a good deal in my mind but the proof is in the pudding as they say. Some interesting points raised though I appreciate the help guys.

[M3eater]

SWoll said:

Are we talking brand new cars? If so I'd avoid the GLA as it's due a massive overhaul in the next 12 months in line with the new A-Class which will bring with it the hugely improved interior and tech.

I don't know about the X2, but for £40K+ I'd be considering the Porsche Macan S as well personally. Best car of the 3 and hold their value very well.

So the more I look at the Macan the more I want one. Going by the prices a new one is not an option but a used GTS looks right up my street. Good call! The reviews all seem very positive tbf with a lot of people saying it's the #1 small suv out there.