VS
At a Glance
Power
215 kW
233 kW
Torque
550 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
5.5 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
5.4 s
Engine
1993 cc
1998 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 215 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 233 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.5 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 347 055 for the GLC and R1 126 268 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
215 kW
233 kW
Torque
550 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
5.4 s
Top Speed
243 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
7
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.5 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4444 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1640 mm
1654 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
—
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
1620 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
440/505-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
545 l
615 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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
Countryman
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 233 kW)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 126 268)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Countryman?
The GLC uses 5.5 l/100km and the Countryman uses 7.7 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 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Countryman delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Countryman?
The GLC starts from R1 347 055 and the Countryman from R1 126 268. The Countryman is cheaper by R220 787 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 not specified. 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.