Mini Countryman C vs BMW X1: Entry-level luxury SUVs compared

Mini India recently launched the new Mini Countryman C SUV in the Indian market. The new Mini Countryman C will be locally produced at the BMW Group plant in Chennai. Bookings are already underway; interested customers can book the car exclusively through the Mini dealership, and the deliveries will begin soon. The new Mini Countryman C will rival the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and other similarly priced entry-level luxury SUVs. In this article, let’s compare the new Mini Countryman C with the BMW X1.

Mini Countryman C vs BMW X1: Price The BMW X1 is offered in two variants – sDrive 18i M Sport priced at Rs 50.90 lakh and sDrive 18d M Sport priced at Rs 52.90 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). The Mini Countryman C is offered in single top spec trim priced at Rs 47.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Countryman also gets much sportier and powerful All 4 trim priced at Rs 66.15 lakh (ex-showroom). Mini Countryman C vs BMW X1: Dimensions The Mini Countryman measures 4,447mm in length, 1,843mm in width and 1,661mm in height, with a 2,692mm wheelbase, 190mm ground clearance, 19-inch wheels and a boot capacity of up to 505 litres. The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm in length, 1,845mm in width and 1,630mm in height, with a 2,692mm wheelbase, 183mm ground clearance, 18-inch wheels and a 505-litre boot capacity.The Mini Countryman is 53mm shorter, 2mm narrower and up to 31mm taller than the BMW X1, while both share the same 2,692mm wheelbase; the Countryman also offers 7mm more ground clearance, larger 19-inch wheels and up to 505 litres of boot space compared to the X1’s 183mm ground clearance, 18-inch wheels and 505-litre boot. Mini Countryman C vs BMW X1: EngineThe new Mini Countryman C is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine with 156hp and 240nm. It comes paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and sends power to the front wheels. The Mini Countryman C can accelerate from 0-100kph in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 212kph. It comes equipped with a 60-litre fuel tank and delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 15.92kpl.The BMW X1 gets two engine options – a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine with 136 and 230nm. It comes paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and sends power to the front wheels. The X1 is also offered with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine, which puts out 150 hp of power and 360 nm torque.Mini Countryman C vs BMW X1: FeaturesThe Mini Countryman C features a revised cabin layout with a focus on a cleaner and more contemporary design while retaining key brand elements. Features include a circular 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen, a head-up display, steering-mounted controls, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree camera, panoramic glass roof, powered front seats, wireless phone charging and parking assist. The driver’s seat also includes a massage function.Rear-seat occupants benefit from sliding seats with up to 130mm of adjustment and a recline function of up to 25 degrees. Boot capacity stands at 505 litres and expands to 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded. The SUV also offers connected-car technology, ambient lighting, MINI Digital Key Plus and eight MINI Experience drive modes. Its safety suite includes ADAS features such as front collision warning, lane departure warning, attentiveness assist, active pedestrian protection and reversing assist. The Countryman C has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.The new X1 gets adaptive LED headlights, an illuminated kidney grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, BMW Curved Display with OS9, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon audio system, powered front seats with memory, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, connected-car technology, six airbags, TPMS, electronic stability control and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold.