2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic MINI styling cues. Its erect wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack taillights made it stand out in a sea of small SUVs. The Countryman offered a variety of paint and wheel options, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles. Inside, the retro design and jaunty styling provided a unique experience, setting it apart from the more conventional interiors of its competitors.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its recent facelift, maintained a distinct identity within the Mercedes lineup. Its rounded profile and squared-off wheel arches gave it a robust stance, while the tapered side glass and rakish windshield added a touch of elegance. The GLE's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring unique colour options and upscale materials. The Yacht Blue interior, although not available in Canada, highlighted the brand's commitment to offering something special. The ambient lighting and premium audio system further enhanced the cabin's appeal, making it feel both modern and sophisticated.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, but the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models stood out for their performance. The JCW, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered an impressive 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S, while less powerful, still provided a spirited drive with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Countryman was more suited for urban driving, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.1 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG models took performance to another level, with the AMG GLE 53 delivering 429 hp and the AMG GLE 63 S boasting a formidable 603 hp. The latter could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making it less nimble in tight spaces.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The front seats were small but supportive, and the rear offered ample legroom. However, fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman's compact dimensions made parking easy, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered more versatility with two-row and three-row configurations. While front headroom was comparable to rivals, legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The second row provided generous space, with more legroom than many rivals. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with seats folded. The GLE also boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, making it a practical choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a modest but functional technology suite. Its 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a retro-style round display, used BMW's iDrive technology. Users could interact with the system through various methods, including a touchscreen, control knob, and voice recognition. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. An optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE impressed with its dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless digital experience. The MBUX system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. Multiple control options, including a touchpad and voice recognition, allowed for easy interaction. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured additional drive modes and settings, enhancing the driving experience. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function added to the GLE's technological prowess.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked more advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations, but newer testing procedures left some gaps in its safety profile.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. Standard equipment included forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.