MINI Countryman vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a charming blend of traditional Mini design elements and modern aesthetics. It featured 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 appear as 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 Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a unique dashboard fabric made from recycled polyester, providing a sense of quality and customization.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury and sophistication, offering a range of models from the GLS 450 to the opulent Maybach GLS 600. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, exclusive paint colors, and premium leather upholstery. The interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class but boasted high-quality materials and detailing. Despite some body creaks on chilly mornings, the GLS provided a comfortable and refined driving experience. The dual 12.3-inch displays, though retro by modern standards, were easy to use and integrated well with the dashboard, offering a simple yet luxurious feel.

The 2025 MINI Countryman Cooper S was powered by 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, accelerating to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including the spirited Go Kart mode, enhancing its nimble and zippy character. However, the lack of refinement in the powertrain, noise isolation, and ride compliance was noticeable, with clunky shifting and touchy brakes detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the Countryman was fun to drive, especially on winding roads, but its fuel economy fell short of expectations.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road, with the Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. While the powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, the GLS provided a smooth and composed driving experience. Its tailored feel and quiet cabin made it a standout in the full-size luxury SUV segment, offering a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2025 MINI Countryman provided 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. Visibility was good, aided by oversized side mirrors and an excellent surround-view camera system. 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 quirky, in line with the Mini ethos, making it a practical choice for a small SUV.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with generous legroom and a range of comfort-related upgrades, including massaging seats and a rapid heating system. Storage space was somewhat limited, but the cargo area offered 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 84.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLS provided a luxurious and spacious interior, accommodating passengers and cargo with ease.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received mixed reviews for its usability. It included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, Spike, was inactive during testing, and the depth of menus and settings could be overwhelming. However, the head-up display was helpful, providing essential information without cluttering the center display.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. The system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests. The GLS offered additional options, such as gesture control and rear infotainment screens, enhancing the overall technology experience.

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 Assisted Driving and Assisted Driving Plus systems provided varying levels of automation, though the latter was not fully available in the U.S. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its safety credentials.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While it lacked hands-free highway driver-assistance technology, the GLS offered a hands-on system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The system required active driver participation, and while it performed well in most situations, it struggled with more challenging road conditions. Overall, the GLS provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience.