2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic Mini styling elements like the Union Jack tail lights and a floating roof design. It offered a variety of customization options, from paint colors to wheel designs, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided a unique driving experience with its retro interior design and digital instrumentation. The test model, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a dual-panel moonroof, enhancing the overall ambiance.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more refined and luxurious aesthetic. The GLS 450 test vehicle boasted a sleek exterior with 22-inch AMG rims and a new silver four-louver grille, complemented by polished metal accents and Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS offered a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak trim and polished aluminum accents. The cabin was designed for comfort, featuring massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a four-zone automatic climate control system, ensuring a pleasant experience for all occupants.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its performance. The JCW 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. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, making it the choice for speed enthusiasts. The Cooper S model, with its 189 horsepower engine, provided a balance of performance and efficiency, achieving 28 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 25.4 mpg.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and responsive performance. The GLS featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, with driving modes to tailor dynamics. It had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 19.9 mpg.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with supportive seats and ample legroom. The Iconic trim added dual-zone climate control, premium leather, and heated front seats. Despite its compact size, the Countryman offered reasonable interior storage, though cargo space was limited to 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided a spacious and luxurious interior, with comfortable front seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second row offered expansive legroom and a panoramic sunroof, while the third row was snug for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, utilizing BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console could cause accidental changes. The GLS included a Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it highly in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The systems were adjustable through MBUX, allowing customization of sensitivity and alerts. The GLS's advanced driving assistance systems performed smoothly and effectively during testing, providing a safe and comfortable driving experience.