2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic Mini styling cues, such as an erect wraparound windshield and a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. Its Union Jack tail lights proudly showcased its British roots. Buyers could personalize their Countryman with various paint options, roof, and mirror cap treatments, and wheel designs. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice, while the Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option. The Iconic trim added premium features like leather upholstery, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a more rounded profile, nodding to its predecessors while maintaining the brand's signature style. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated its proportions with a bulky lower body and a fastback-style roofline. Mercedes introduced new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors, offering a range of customization options. The Yacht Blue interior of the test car was particularly striking, complemented by upscale features like chunky air vents and a Burmester audio system. The GLE's interior felt luxurious, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. This setup allowed the JCW to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy, though it averaged 25.4 mpg in testing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 4Matic offered a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic's V8 engine delivered 510 hp, and the AMG GLE 63 S reached 603 hp, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The GLE impressed with its refinement and power, though it felt larger than it was, making maneuverability in tight spaces challenging.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The Iconic trim added dual-zone climate control, premium leather, and power-adjustable heated front seats. While the Countryman offered good visibility and easy parking, it lacked some advanced parking technologies. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row and three-row configurations, with ample space for passengers. The front seats were comfortable but heavily bolstered, while the second row provided more legroom than competitors. Cargo space was competitive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, along with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system, based on BMW's iDrive, offered multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various access methods, including voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function added to its versatility.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the vehicle lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some available in the optional Driver Assistance Package. Standard features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.