Mercedes-Benz GLA vs MINI Countryman (2026)
Mercedes-Benz GLA (₹51.80 Lakh – ₹55.00 Lakh) and MINI Countryman (₹47.50 Lakh – ₹66.15 Lakh) go head-to-head in the luxury suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The MINI Countryman is more affordable — it starts ₹4.30 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
- The MINI Countryman is the more powerful car, with 296 bhp against 187 bhp.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Mercedes-Benz GLA in short
The GLA is the entry point to Mercedes-Benz SUV ownership in India, priced ₹51.80–55.00 lakh across three variants. The 2024 facelift carries a 163 PS 1.3L turbo-petrol (GLA 200) or a 190 PS 2.0L diesel with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (GLA 220d), both with dual-clutch automatics. It is the only car in its class to pair a diesel with AWD, and its 425-litre boot is usable for the footprint. Rivals are the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.
Full GLA prices & variants →MINI Countryman in short
The new-generation (U25) Countryman is MINI's five-seat SUV and, from 2026, locally assembled in India as a CKD — which is how the Countryman C Favoured lands at ₹47.50 lakh with a 156 PS 1.5L turbo-petrol. At the other end sits the ₹66.15 lakh JCW Countryman ALL4: a 300 hp 2.0L turbo with all-wheel drive, the fastest MINI on sale in India. It is the MINI you buy when the family vetoes the hatch, against the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.
Full Countryman prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: GLA or Countryman?
The MINI Countryman is more affordable — it starts ₹4.30 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
GLA vs Countryman — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Mercedes-Benz GLA — not yet tested; MINI Countryman — not yet tested.
Should I buy the GLA or the Countryman?
The MINI Countryman is more affordable — it starts ₹4.30 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The MINI Countryman is the more powerful car, with 296 bhp against 187 bhp. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.