2025 Mini Countryman S All4 vs BMW x1 xDrive28i Which is Better :All Specs &Test Drive

Summary

In this comparison, the 2025 Mini Countryman S and BMW X1 XDrive 28i are evaluated side by side. Both vehicles share the same B48 engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, yet they differ in design, performance, and interior tech. The Mini offers a rugged, lifted design with a playful driving experience, while the BMW focuses on a sleek, tech-rich interior and more refined handling. With similar performance metrics, the key differences come down to style, comfort, and driving dynamics, leaving the choice between the two largely dependent on personal preference.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2025 Mini Countryman S and BMW X1 XDrive 28i are compared, with both vehicles sharing the same platform and B48 engine, yet differing in performance, styling, and features.
• 😀 Both vehicles feature a 2.0L Twin Power Turbocharged engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
• 😀 The Mini Countryman S has a slightly higher ride height, giving it a boxier, more SUV-like appearance, while the BMW X1 has a sportier, more dynamic profile with a lower stance.
• 😀 The BMW X1 offers additional features like a convenience package, which adds over $4,000 but includes extras like navigation and wireless charging.
• 😀 Fuel efficiency is similar between the two, with the BMW X1 achieving 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while the Mini Countryman S has 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
• 😀 Both vehicles feature LED lighting, full parking sensors, and 360° reverse cameras, with the Mini offering a more rugged design with bronze accents, and the BMW showcasing satin aluminum elements.
• 😀 The Mini Countryman S has a unique styling with a two-tone design, including a gloss black roof and roof rails, while the BMW X1 offers a sleek, dynamic appearance with active kidney grille shutters.
• 😀 Storage space in both vehicles is similar, with 25.7 cubic feet of storage capacity, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the Mini’s storage is more easily accessible with a lower height.
• 😀 The Mini Countryman S offers JCW seats with power adjustments and a more playful interior, while the BMW X1 focuses on a driver-centric, tech-heavy interior with a larger 10.7-inch infotainment screen.
• 😀 Both vehicles offer competitive driving dynamics, with the Mini providing a sportier go-kart-like feel, while the BMW X1 offers a more sophisticated driving experience, particularly with its driving mode selector.
• 😀 The final choice between the Mini Countryman S and BMW X1 largely comes down to personal preferences—whether a more rugged, playful Mini or a more refined, technology-rich BMW appeals to the buyer.

Q & A

What is the main difference in ride height between the Mini Countryman S and the BMW X1 xDrive 28i?

The Mini Countryman S is lifted a bit more, resulting in a higher ride height and a boxier structure compared to the BMW X1, which sits lower and has a more dynamic, sleek profile.

What engine do both the Mini Countryman S and the BMW X1 xDrive 28i share?

Both vehicles share the B48 2.0L TwinPower Turbocharged engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.

How do the fuel efficiencies of the Mini Countryman S and BMW X1 xDrive 28i compare?

The BMW X1 achieves 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while the Mini Countryman S has slightly lower fuel efficiency with 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

How do the 0-60 times of the Mini Countryman S and BMW X1 xDrive 28i compare?

Both vehicles have a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds, showcasing similar acceleration performance.

What is the maximum towing capacity of the Mini Countryman S?

The Mini Countryman S can tow up to 3,500 lbs, making it competitive in terms of utility for an SUV of its size.

What interior features differentiate the Mini Countryman S from the BMW X1?

The Mini Countryman S offers features like JCW seats, a digital key, and more intricate interior patterns with bronze accents. It also includes a 9.40 LED touchscreen, and it has a unique steering wheel design with toggle switches. The BMW X1 offers a more driver-focused interior with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen, and it includes features like a heads-up display, wireless charging, and a Harmon Kardon sound system.

How does the driving experience differ between the Mini Countryman S and the BMW X1?

The Mini Countryman S offers a more dynamic driving experience with a sportier feel, especially in 'Go-Kart' mode, but it's still an SUV, so it doesn't feel as tight as the traditional Mini. The BMW X1 provides a more refined driving experience, offering playful handling in sport mode, but it doesn't offer the same go-kart sensation as the Mini.

Which vehicle offers more cargo space, the Mini Countryman S or the BMW X1?

Both vehicles offer 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, and can be expanded to 46.9 cubic feet by folding the rear seats. The configuration for folding is similar for both models with a 40/20/40 split in the rear bench.

What are some of the standout design elements of the Mini Countryman S compared to the BMW X1?

The Mini Countryman S features bronze accents, including on the lower body trim, roof rails, and wheels, and has a more boxy and rugged design. The BMW X1, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sporty design with satin aluminum details and an active kidney grill shutter.

What additional packages and features are available for the BMW X1 that are not standard?

The BMW X1 requires the selection of the Convenience Package, which adds features like a 360° reverse camera, navigation, wireless charging, and heated seats. This package costs over $4,000 and provides additional upgrades to the X1.