VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
115 kW
Torque
440 Nm
240 Nm
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1510 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
9.0 s
Engine
1993 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 162 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 115 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.2 l/100km while the Countryman uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 278 902 for the GLC and R833 903 for the Countryman. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
162 kW
115 kW
Torque
440 Nm
240 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
9.0 s
Top Speed
219 Km/h
212 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
154 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4444 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1640 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
—
202 mm
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
1545 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
440/505-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1510 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
Countryman
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
More powerful engine (162 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Lower starting price (R833 903)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 162 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Countryman?
The GLC uses 5.2 l/100km and the Countryman uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLC or Countryman?
The GLC produces 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Countryman delivers 115 kW and 240 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Countryman?
The GLC starts from R1 278 902 and the Countryman from R833 903. The Countryman is cheaper by R444 999 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or Countryman?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Countryman can tow 1510 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the Countryman?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.