2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and familiar elements. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes expected in the 2024 model year. The changes in the standard GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite the updates, the GLC maintained its classic and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant transformation, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with newer Mercedes models. The materials and construction quality remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and distinctive character, showcasing classic Mini styling cues such as the erect wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions featured turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid. The interior, especially in the Iconic trim, boasted premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display. The Countryman's unique styling and retro interior design provided a singular experience, standing out in a segment often characterized by bland designs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

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 and all-wheel drive. The JCW accelerated to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds with front-wheel drive and 7.1 seconds with all-wheel drive. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel, though it wasn't as engaging for spirited driving as the JCW. The Cooper S achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. The interior provided sufficient storage, including a large center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals but still practical. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim featured dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The interior offered good legroom and foot room, though fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, with a smartphone charging pad under the center armrest. The Countryman provided 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts. The lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging, but the older layout was available with the Coupe body style.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a practical technology suite, with a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing, used a version of BMW's iDrive technology. It provided multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, physical controls, steering wheel buttons, a control knob, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto but included Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, offering a significant improvement over the standard six-speaker setup.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. The previous GLC received top ratings from both organizations. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included Active Driving Assistant, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were also standard. Adaptive cruise control was optional on higher trims. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the Countryman highly in crashworthiness evaluations.