2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the updated C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. Despite being an all-new car, the GLC 300's changes were subtle, with the most noticeable update being its narrower taillights. The grille, roofline, and beltline remained similar to the first-generation GLC, which had been in production since 2016. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run, thanks to its classy and timeless styling. The interior of the new GLC received a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with newer Mercedes models. The materials quality and construction remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful nature, showcasing classic MINI styling cues, such as an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack taillights. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. In Canada, the lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper models featured a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in different states of tune. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a 29-kilometre electric range. The Countryman provided a unique experience with its jaunty styling and retro interior design, standing out in a segment where many small SUVs were blandly interchangeable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was available in the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. While it offered ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 delivered a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in roughly 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered various powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The JCW accelerated to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S model, with a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Cooper S felt zippy and athletic, with peak torque arriving at just 1,350 rpm. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't suited for off-road adventures. The Cooper S had a fuel consumption rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, but averaged 9.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options, featuring synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC provided sufficient storage options, including a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller passengers. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 620 litres, which was smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with enough legroom and foot room for comfort. The front seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was enjoyable to grip. The Countryman provided excellent outward visibility and was easy to park. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. The Countryman had a cargo capacity of 498 litres behind the rear seats, accommodating two full-size suitcases. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for carrying longer items, expanding cargo space to 1,348 litres. The Cooper SE PHEV model had slightly smaller measurements.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making it more distracting to use. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn't a technology powerhouse, but it offered useful features. It had a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive technology, with five interaction methods: touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob and buttons on the centre console, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. An available 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system offered excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous GLC received top scores and was named a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driver assistance systems. It featured Active Driving Assistant, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.