Compare the2024 MINI SE CountrymanVS 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron

The MINI SE Countryman has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer knee airbags.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the SE Countryman. But it costs extra on the Q4 e-tron.

The SE Countryman’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the SE Countryman and the Q4 e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the SE Countryman for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q4 e-tron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 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 42 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.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 19th.

The SE Countryman’s 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder hybrid produces 20 more horsepower (221 vs. 201) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (284 vs. 229) than the Q4 40 e-tron’s standard electric motor.

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 Q4 e-tron’s range is only 236 to 265 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 36 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 7 hours and 30 minutes.

The MINI SE Countryman has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Q4 e-tron. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The SE Countryman’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q4 e-tron’s standard 55 series front tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the SE Countryman can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The MINI SE Countryman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the Audi Q4 e-tron.

The SE Countryman is 10.9 inches shorter than the Q4 e-tron, making the SE Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The SE Countryman has 2 inches more front headroom and .4 inches more rear legroom than the Q4 e-tron.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the SE Countryman’s rear seats recline. The Q4 e-tron’s rear seats don’t recline.

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 Q4 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 standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Q4 e-tron only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

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 Q4 e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the SE Countryman has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The SE Countryman has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Q4 e-tron Premium Plus/Prestige.

The MINI Countryman outsold the Audi Q4 e-tron by 16% during 2023.