VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
230 kW
Torque
320 Nm
494 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
—
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
5.6 s
Engine
1950 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 110 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 230 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 5.1 l/100km while the Countryman uses 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R982 080 for the GLA and R1 110 000 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
110 kW
230 kW
Torque
320 Nm
494 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
208 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
66.5 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
132 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4444 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1616 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
2075 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
460-1450 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1200 Kg
Load Capacity
520 l
570 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MINI Countryman
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
GLA
Practicality
Countryman
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Lower starting price (R982 080)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 230 kW)
MINI Countryman
More powerful engine (230 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA uses 5.1 l/100km and the Countryman uses 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA produces 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Countryman delivers 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and Countryman?
The GLA starts from R982 080 and the Countryman from R1 110 000. The GLA is cheaper by R127 920 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Countryman can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA 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.