Compare the2024 MINI SE CountrymanVS 2024 Audi Q8 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 Q8 e-tron doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the SE Countryman and the Q8 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, 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 Q8 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.

On the EPA test cycle the SE Countryman running on electricity gets better mileage than the SQ8 e-tron 21/22" Wheels (74 city/72 hwy vs. 62 city/63 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 Q8 e-tron’s range is only 218 to 285 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 31 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 16 hours.

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 Q8 e-tron doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the SE Countryman’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Q8 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 Q8 e-tron.

The SE Countryman is 1 foot, 11.2 inches shorter than the Q8 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 Q8 e-tron, making the SE Countryman easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the SE Countryman’s rear seats recline. The Q8 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 Q8 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 Q8 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 Q8 e-tron doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the SE Countryman has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q8 e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The MINI Countryman outsold the Audi Q8 e-tron by 46% during 2023.