Verdict
The MINI Countryman is RM32,000 cheaper, yet its two motors produce 313 hp and 494 Nm for a 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time, far ahead of the GLB’s 161 hp, 270 Nm and 9.3 seconds. Its 66.5-kWh battery also brings a stated 432 km range, but Malaysian owners must accept RM335 annual road tax versus RM100. The Mercedes-Benz GLB makes the stronger family case: seven seats, a 2,829-mm wheelbase and sliding second row give it seating flexibility the five-seat MINI cannot match. Choose based on passengers first, then charging access.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats and the lower RM100 annual road tax of its petrol 1.33-litre model.
Pick the MINI Countryman if you can charge an EV and want 313 hp, 494 Nm, all-wheel drive and a much larger 460-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888; MINI Countryman RM258,888.
- Powertrain: GLB 1,332-cc 161-hp/270-Nm turbo petrol; Countryman twin-motor 313-hp/494-Nm EV.
- Performance: GLB 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and 207 km/h; Countryman 5.6 seconds and 180 km/h.
- Practicality: GLB has 7 seats and 130-litre boot space; Countryman has 5 seats and 460 litres.
- Dimensions: GLB is 4,634 mm long with a 2,829-mm wheelbase; Countryman is 4,433 mm and 2,692 mm.
- Running costs: GLB road tax is RM100 per year; Countryman road tax is RM335 per year.
GLB
- Seven seats with a sliding 40:20:40 second row and split-folding third row.
- Longer 2,829-mm wheelbase.
- Front foglamps and four ISOFIX positions.
- 130-litre boot is far smaller than the Countryman’s 460 litres.
- 9.3-second 0-100 km/h time trails the Countryman by 3.7 seconds.
- No lane-keeping assist, active cruise control, head-up display or 360-degree camera.
Countryman
- 313 hp and 494 Nm from two motors, with all-wheel drive.
- 66.5-kWh battery, 432-km stated range, 22-kW AC and 130-kW DC charging.
- 460-litre boot, plus active cruise control, lane steering correction and a head-up display.
- Five seats versus the GLB’s seven.
- RM335 annual road tax is RM235 higher than the GLB’s.
- Shorter 2,692-mm wheelbase and lower 180-km/h top speed.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM290,888 | RM258,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM335 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | — |
| Torque | 270 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 | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 207 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,634 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,663 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,829 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Weight | 1,555 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | 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 | 7 Three-point | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | 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 | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row | 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 Rear USB-C 3rd Row | 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 | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 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 | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | 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 | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 4 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 GLB & Countryman for sale
GLB vs Countryman FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB or MINI Countryman better?
The Countryman is better for EV performance, 432-km stated range and 460-litre luggage capacity. The GLB is the better choice only when seven seats are essential, because the MINI has five.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Countryman costs RM32,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
How quickly can the MINI Countryman charge?
The MINI Countryman accepts AC charging at up to 22 kW and DC charging at up to 130 kW. Its battery capacity is 66.5 kWh and its stated EV range is 432 km.