2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that was easy to overlook, even for seasoned observers. The front grille featured a clever design with Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the highest quality in its segment.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful nature with classic MINI styling cues, including a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack taillights. The Countryman offered various 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 powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants featured turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid. The Untamed Edition added unique features to the Cooper S and SE ALL4 variants. The test car, a US Cooper S model, was priced at $53,456 in Canada, including destination charges and fees. The Premier+ 2.0 line and Untamed Edition packages added numerous features, enhancing the Countryman's appeal.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various preferences, with prices starting at approximately $82,800. The Canadian lineup included the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, and the upcoming GLE 450e PHEV. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was distributed to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was rated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a 77-kilometre electric range. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered different 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 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The JCW could reach 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S, with its 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, was quick enough for most drivers, achieving 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel. However, its fuel economy was slightly disappointing, averaging 9.3 L/100 km during testing. The Countryman was not designed for off-road adventures, but it handled twisty roads well, especially in the JCW variant.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five adults, with generous headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive in its class. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with supportive front seats and adequate rear legroom. While it had seatbelts for five, squeezing in a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park, but it lacked advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the tray beneath it. The Countryman offered 498 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,348 litres with the rear seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed for versatile cargo arrangements.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be inadvertently activated, causing minor inconveniences.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a practical technology suite. It featured a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing reminiscent of classic Mini models, used BMW's iDrive technology. Users could interact with the system through the touchscreen, physical controls, steering wheel buttons, a control knob, and voice commands. The system lacked Android Auto but supported Apple CarPlay. An optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive array of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model were pending.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available as an option. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and other advanced safety technologies. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations, but testing was incomplete due to new procedures.