Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman was 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 colors, and vertical Union Jack taillights, all wrapped in contemporary sheet metal. Depending on the model and customization choices, the Countryman could present as either a conservative crossover or a performance-oriented SUV. Buyers had to choose between the Cooper S, John Cooper Works (JCW), and the electric SE model, each offering different performance levels and features. The interior was stylish, with options like Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a unique dashboard fabric made from recycled polyester. Despite some reservations about the faint gold tint on the trim and wheels, the Countryman made a bold statement with its Favoured style and 20-inch wheels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the original 1979 G-Wagen. While subtle updates were made to the grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its distinctive flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust body sides. The vehicle's character was further emphasized by its hefty doors and latches, which produced a loud clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 models. The G-Class offered a luxurious interior with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, creating a sci-fi aesthetic. The AMG G 63 model featured a sportier steering wheel and an advanced suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance.

The 2025 MINI Countryman Cooper S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 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 from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including the spirited Go Kart mode, which enhanced its nimble and zippy nature. However, the vehicle lacked refinement, with a clunky transmission and touchy brakes. Despite these drawbacks, the Countryman provided genuine driving fun, although its fuel economy was slightly below expectations at 24.5 mpg.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, both offering impressive performance. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 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 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model featured an advanced suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics, making it a versatile and powerful SUV.

The 2025 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with a snug but comfortable rear seat. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial leather upholstery added an upscale touch. The vehicle provided good outward visibility and featured a surround-view camera system for easier parking. The Countryman offered 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions were generous and creatively designed, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, provided ample headroom and a commanding view of the road. Its compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger rivals. The G-Class offered 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with a side-hinged tailgate for easy access. Despite its smaller interior, the G-Class maintained a luxurious feel and provided a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, making it a capable and versatile vehicle.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, although it received mixed reviews due to its unconventional shape and reduced physical controls. The system included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, the depth of menus and settings could be overwhelming, and some features, like the Intelligent Personal Assistant, were inactive during testing. The head-up display provided helpful information, compensating for the cluttered center display.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless display across the dashboard. The system included augmented reality navigation, voice recognition, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Notable options included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing the G-Class's modern and tech-savvy appeal.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also offered Assisted Driving and Assisted Driving Plus technologies, providing varying levels of automation. However, the system occasionally required active steering input, and Assisted Driving Plus was not available in all areas. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2024.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured standard driver-assistance technologies, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also included the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature, enhancing the G-Class's safety credentials.