MINI Countryman vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MINI Countryman starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB opens at $63,900. That makes the MINI Countryman the more affordable entry point by $13,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,989 and $70,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Countryman and Mercedes-Benz GLB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the MINI Countryman and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the MINI Countryman and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Countryman features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with wireless charging and heated front seats that the MINI Countryman does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MINI Countryman uses a Petrol Turbo producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Countryman is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Countryman measures 4,444mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 190mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLB at 4,634mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the MINI Countryman and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 110L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the MINI Countryman and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (MINI Countryman) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Countryman) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Countryman if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLB will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLB has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MINI Countryman and Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The MINI Countryman is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLB by $13,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MINI Countryman and Mercedes-Benz GLB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB makes the most power at 120kW. The MINI Countryman is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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