MINI Countryman vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a charming blend of traditional and modern design elements. It featured iconic Mini styling cues such as wide-eyed headlights, a floating roof available in various colours, and vertical Union Jack taillights. Depending on the chosen model, paint, interior, and wheels, the Countryman could present itself as either a conservative crossover or a performance-oriented SUV. The interior was stylish, with a sense of quality that made it feel like a bargain amidst a sea of mundane crossovers. The test model, however, had a faint gold tint on the trim and wheels, which, while fitting for a Mini, might not appeal to everyone. The bright British Racing Green paint was bold, and the Favoured style with 20-inch wheels made a striking statement.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury and comfort, offering a range of models from the GLS 450 to the opulent Maybach GLS 600. The GLS 450 test vehicle came with 21-inch AMG wheels and a premium leather interior, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior was reminiscent of the smaller GLE but boasted high-quality materials and detailing. Despite some body creaks on cold mornings, the GLS provided a quiet and composed ride. The standard leather upholstery could be upgraded to Nappa leather, and the interior trim options included aluminum, wood, or black lacquer. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, offering a more traditional luxury feel compared to the more screen-heavy alternatives.

The 2025 MINI Countryman S was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. 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 altered the driving dynamics and engine sound. However, the vehicle lacked refinement, with a clunky transmission and a noisy ride. The steering was not precise, and the brakes were touchy, making them difficult to modulate. Despite these issues, the Countryman was fun to drive, especially in Go Kart mode, though its fuel economy was less impressive than expected.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing its driving dynamics. The GLS had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, making it a versatile choice. While the powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, the GLS provided a tailored driving experience with a quiet cabin and composed ride.

The 2025 MINI Countryman provided 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 felt upscale. Visibility was good, aided by oversized side mirrors and an excellent surround-view camera system. The new Countryman was roomier than its predecessor, 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available as an option. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with standard features including a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats and a five-zone climate control system. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. Cargo space was 355 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,400 litres with the second row folded, though these measurements fell short of some competitors.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a new 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, which, despite its unique shape, was not well-received. It included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, Spike, was inactive during the test, and the infotainment system's complexity made it challenging to use. A head-up display provided helpful information, compensating for the cluttered centre display.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a more traditional luxury feel. The MBUX infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. The digital assistant, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” performed well, though it struggled with some commands. The system was easy to use, with configurable displays and a variety of stylistic themes.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. An adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability was available, and the Countryman was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS in 2024.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. While it lacked hands-free highway driver assistance, the GLS required active driver participation, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The GLS's safety systems occasionally braked harder than necessary, but overall, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.