2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman presented a charming blend of traditional and modern design elements. It featured iconic Mini characteristics such as wide-eyed headlights, a floating roof available in various colours, and vertical Union Jack taillights, all wrapped in contemporary sheet metal. Depending on the model and customization choices, the Countryman could appear as a conservative crossover or a performance-oriented SUV. The interior was stylish, with Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a Petrol Blue fabric dashboard made from recycled polyester, offering a sense of quality and sophistication. Despite some reservations about the faint gold tint on the trim and wheels, the Countryman made a bold statement with its bright British Racing Green paint and 20-inch Windmill Spoke wheels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the original 1979 G-Wagen. While subtle styling updates were made, such as a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its distinctive flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust body sides. The interior was opulent, featuring large round vents, 64-colour ambient lighting, and shiny metallic trim, giving it a sci-fi aesthetic. The G-Class also boasted functional changes, including a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim. The AMG G 63 model stood out with its AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics.

The 2025 MINI Countryman S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including Core and Go Kart, which adjusted the driving dynamics and engine sound. However, the lack of refinement in the powertrain, noise isolation, and ride compliance was noticeable, with the DCT occasionally exhibiting clunky shifting. Despite these drawbacks, the Countryman was described as zippy and fun to drive, especially in Go Kart mode with the optional adaptive suspension and larger wheels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, both featuring powerful engines. The G 550 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, generating 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics, making it a more luxurious and capable off-roader.

The 2025 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger, though it was not advisable. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial Vescin leather added an upscale touch. The Countryman provided good outward visibility, aided by oversized side mirrors and an excellent surround-view camera system. The interior was roomier than the previous model, making it suitable for a family of four, though the back seat remained snug. Storage was generous, with a power tailgate revealing 708 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,591 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some high-end luxury SUVs, offered a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class provided a commanding view of the road, with reasonable forward visibility and manageable parking due to its relatively short length and narrow width.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a new round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received mixed reviews. It included cloud-based navigation with augmented video, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, Spike, was inactive in the test vehicle, and navigating the extensive menus and settings proved challenging. A head-up display provided helpful information, compensating for the cluttered centre display.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expected as standard. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous display. The G-Class included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens were notable features, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety and driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centring assist. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2024.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was expected to include standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.