Compare the2023 MINI SE CountrymanVS 2023 Audi e-tron

Both the SE Countryman and the e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the SE Countryman for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the e-tron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 71 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the SE Countryman running on electricity gets better mileage than the e-tron S Black Optic (74 city/72 hwy vs. 62 city/64 hwy MPGe).

The SE Countryman’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 303 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The e-tron’s range is only 181 to 226 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 30 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 10 hours and 30 minutes.

For better maneuverability, the SE Countryman’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the e-tron’s (37.4 feet vs. 40 feet).

The MINI SE Countryman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1850 to 2150 pounds less than the Audi e-tron.

The SE Countryman is 1 foot, 11.2 inches shorter than the e-tron, making the SE Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The SE Countryman is 5.3 inches narrower on average than the e-tron, making the SE Countryman easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the SE Countryman when its optional tailgating rear seats are deployed, allowing people to sit facing out of the liftgate. (Do not use while vehicle is in motion.) The e-tron doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With an 8% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The SE Countryman’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the SE Countryman to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The e-tron doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the SE Countryman offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To better shield the driver’s vision, the SE Countryman has a standard dual-element sun visor that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The e-tron doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

The SE Countryman’s Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The e-tron doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the SE Countryman owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the SE Countryman will cost $3900 to $6955 less than the e-tron over a five-year period.

The SE Countryman will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the SE Countryman will retain 47.91% of its original price after five years, while the e-tron only retains 45.77% to 45.79%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI SE Countryman will be $18103 to $34174 less than for the Audi e-tron.