2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss even for trained eyes. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more noticeable when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added to its appeal. The GLE 450e we tested, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of our GLE 450e tester exuded class and luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, true to its brand, didn’t take itself too seriously. It featured classic Mini styling cues, an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered numerous paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. Our test car, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, came with dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The interior was equipped with premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and a semi-autonomous parking system. The dual-panel moonroof added a touch of openness to the cabin.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated 40 miles of electric-only driving range. The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 MINI Countryman lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models. The Cooper had an underpowered turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in different states of tune. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile electric range. Our Cooper S test car, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The John Cooper Works model, with 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, reached 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S was quick and agile, making it suitable for daily driving, though it wasn’t as engaging on twisty roads as the JCW.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. It offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Optional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough legroom and foot room in the rear seat. It offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Iconic trim package added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Mini’s compact dimensions made it easy to park, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system within a round housing, using BMW’s iDrive technology. It offered five ways to interact with the system: touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob on the center console, and voice recognition. The system was easy to navigate and use, though it lacked Android Auto connectivity. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had fewer advanced driving assistance systems. It included 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 as an option. The Countryman earned the highest rating of Good in crashworthiness evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).