Verdict
At RM258,888, the choice is really petrol convenience against EV pace and equipment. The GLA’s 1.33-litre turbo petrol engine returns a rated 5.6 L/100 km, carries RM100 annual road tax and has a longer 2,729 mm wheelbase. But the Countryman’s dual motors deliver 313 hp and 494 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 5.6 seconds against 8.7 seconds. Its 66.5 kWh battery gives 432 km of range, with 22 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging. For a buyer with dependable charging, the MINI is the more complete package; the GLA suits those avoiding charging planning.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want petrol refuelling, RM100 yearly road tax and a four-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty.
Pick the MINI Countryman if you can charge at home or work and want 313 hp, all-wheel drive, 432 km EV range and stronger driver assistance.
Key differences
- Powertrain: GLA has a 1,332 cc 161 hp/250 Nm turbo petrol engine; Countryman has two electric motors producing 313 hp/494 Nm.
- Performance: GLA reaches 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and tops out at 210 km/h; Countryman does 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reaches 180 km/h.
- Energy use: GLA is rated at 5.6 L/100 km with a 43-litre tank; Countryman has a 66.5 kWh battery and 432 km EV range.
- Charging: GLA has no charging rate; Countryman supports 22 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging.
- Practicality: GLA has a 2,729 mm wheelbase and 435-litre boot; Countryman has a 2,692 mm wheelbase and 460-litre boot.
- Ownership: GLA road tax is RM100 per year with a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty; Countryman road tax is RM335 with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty…
GLA
- Rated 5.6 L/100 km petrol economy
- Lower RM100 annual road tax
- Longer 2,729 mm wheelbase and four-year warranty
- Slower 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.6 seconds
- Smaller 435-litre boot versus 460 litres
- No blind-spot system, lane-keeping assist, active cruise control or auto parking
Countryman
- 313 hp, 494 Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive
- 432 km range with 22 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging
- 460-litre boot, adaptive LED headlamps and Harman Kardon audio
- RM335 annual road tax versus RM100
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years
- Lower 180 km/h top speed versus 210 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM258,888 | RM258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM335 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | — |
| Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 313 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 494 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 432 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 130 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact6 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GLA & Countryman for sale
GLA vs Countryman FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or MINI Countryman better?
The MINI Countryman is better equipped and much quicker, with 313 hp, 432 km range, all-wheel drive and active driver assistance. Choose the GLA instead if petrol refuelling, lower RM100 road tax and its four-year warranty matter more than EV performance.
What is the price difference?
There is no price difference: both cost RM258,888, so the decision rests on charging access, running costs, performance and equipment rather than purchase price.
Which is quicker and easier to run on long trips?
The Countryman is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds versus the GLA’s 8.7 seconds. The GLA is easier for long trips without charging stops because it uses petrol, while the MINI relies on its 432 km EV range and charging access.