Both the X1 and the Countryman have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.
Compare the2025 BMW X1VS 2025 MINI Countryman


Safety
Warranty
There are over 3 times as many BMW dealers as there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X1’s warranty.
Engine
The X1 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 72 more horsepower (313 vs. 241) than the Countryman S’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.
As tested in Motor Trend the X1 M35i xDrive is faster than the JCW Countryman:
|
X1 |
Countryman |
Zero to 60 MPH |
4.8 sec |
4.9 sec |
Quarter Mile |
13.4 sec |
13.6 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
104.1 MPH |
102.8 MPH |
Fuel Economy and Range
On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the Countryman:
|
|
|
MPG |
X1 |
|||
|
AWD |
2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
24 city/33 hwy |
|
|
2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
23 city/31 hwy |
Countryman |
|||
|
AWD |
S 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
24 city/32 hwy |
|
|
JCW 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
23 city/30 hwy |
Brakes and Stopping
The X1’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Countryman are solid, not vented.
The X1 stops shorter than the Countryman:
|
X1 |
Countryman |
|
60 to 0 MPH |
124 feet |
127 feet |
Consumer Reports |
Suspension and Handling
For greater off-road capability the X1 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Countryman (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the X1 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.
Chassis
The front grille of the X1 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Countryman doesn’t offer active grille shutters.
Passenger Space
The X1 has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Countryman.
Cargo Capacity
The X1 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Countryman with its rear seat up (25.7 vs. 25 cubic feet). The X1 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Countryman with its rear seat folded (57.2 vs. 56.2 cubic feet).
Towing
While the Countryman JCW is not recommended to tow, any X1 can tow a minimum of 3500 pounds.
A Trailer Stabilization Control is standard on the X1, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Countryman.
Ergonomics
Compared to the MINI Countryman, the BMW X1 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.
Recommendations
Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman, based on reliability, safety and performance.
The BMW X1 outsold the MINI Countryman by over two to one during 2024.