2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman was a vehicle that embraced its playful heritage, showcasing classic Mini styling cues with an erect wraparound windshield and a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. It proudly displayed its British roots with Union Jack tail lights. Buyers had the option to customize their Countryman with various paint treatments for the body, roof, and mirror caps, as well as multiple wheel designs. However, it was peculiar that dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The Countryman lineup included several models, each with distinct drivetrains, from the underpowered turbocharged three-cylinder Cooper to the more robust turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions. The Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option with a modest electric range. The test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a host of tech features, all wrapped in the unmistakable Mini character.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC took a more conservative approach with its redesign, maintaining a familiar look to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The GLC sported new taillights and a revised rear design, but overall, it retained the essence of its predecessor. The Coupe version featured a steeply sloping profile, while the SUV maintained a more traditional appearance. The interior of the GLC was luxurious, with a driver-focused layout and an abundance of buttons and controls, especially in the AMG models. The test vehicle, an AMG GLC 43, boasted two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment, exuding a sense of opulence. The GLC's interior was gadget-heavy, with numerous screens, ambient lighting, and advanced technology, making it a class leader in terms of tech offerings.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out as the most powerful. 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. This setup allowed the JCW to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, while not as potent, still delivered a spirited drive with its 189 hp turbocharged engine. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or all-wheel drive with an eight-speed sport automatic. The Cooper S could reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, providing a zippy and athletic feel for daily driving. However, the Countryman was not designed for off-road adventures, and its fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 25.4 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, generating an impressive 416 horsepower. This engine was complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance capabilities. The GLC 43 utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, offering quick and responsive shifts. While the GLC 43 excelled in performance, it was not the ideal choice for daily commuting due to its firmer ride and performance-oriented suspension. The base GLC 300, with its 255 hp engine, provided a more comfortable and practical option for everyday use. The GLC's performance models, including the AMG variants, were equipped with advanced features like four-wheel steering, making them suitable for enthusiasts seeking a sporty driving experience.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was ample space for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The Iconic trim package added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was a pleasure to grip. While the Countryman could technically seat five, it was more comfortable for four passengers. The rear seat offered sufficient legroom and foot space, but squeezing in a fifth person was challenging. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park, though 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 the seats folded down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a driver-focused cabin layout, with controls and displays angled toward the driver. The front seats offered standard heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, offered less cargo space, at 17.6 cubic feet, but still provided a practical interior configuration. The GLC's interior was well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a sense of luxury throughout.

The 2024 MINI Countryman was not a technology powerhouse, but it offered practical features. The test vehicle included a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD) projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing reminiscent of classic Mini models, used BMW's iDrive technology. It provided multiple ways to interact, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While the system lacked Android Auto, it offered Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim came with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a prominent 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system included a highly responsive voice command feature, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and advanced features like a "Transparent Hood" display. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The GLC's tech offerings were comprehensive, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had a limited array of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included Active Driving Assistant, which provided 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 standard, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. However, the Countryman lacked features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with its standard front crash-prevention system receiving an "Acceptable" rating. The GLC 300 SUV was tested, and while the Coupe and AMG variants were not evaluated, they shared many safety features. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent collision. Optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist, were available through the Driver Assistance Package.