VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
440 Nm
280Nm@1900
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
7.9
Towing
2500 Kg
1000
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
7
Engine
1993 cc
1598
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 160kW@6000. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.2 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 194 201 for the GLC and R469 590 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
160kW@6000
Torque
440 Nm
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
8.0 s
7
Top Speed
219 Km/h
223
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
1598
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
7.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
47
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
184
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4133
Width
1890-2076 mm
1789
Height
1640 mm
1561
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2595
Ground Clearance
—
137
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
1405
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1000
Load Capacity
550 l
1170
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
25000
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
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Lower starting price (R469 590)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7s)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Countryman?
The GLC uses 5.2 l/100km and the Countryman uses 7.9 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 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Countryman?
The GLC starts from R1 194 201 and the Countryman from R469 590. The Countryman is cheaper by R724 611 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 1000. 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.