Specs at a Glance
2018 MINI Countryman S
Parking Assistance
  Standard
Sunroof
  Standard
2018 BMW X1
Parking Assistance
  Optional
Sunroof
  N/A
2018 MINI Countryman S vs 2018 BMW X1
Serving Ramsey, Clifton, and Wayne, NJ
These days, subcompact vehicles are more than just cars that you get if you want to save money on gas. They are more sophisticated than ever before—thanks to an automotive industry that is always technologically advancing with the latest engineering, mechanical, and comfort and convenience features. Two of the more advanced subcompact vehicles out here are the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the BMW X1, which as styled as sports-like SUVs with remarkably sizable interiors, peppy engines, and racing-inspired gear shifting. Both are manufactured by BMW, and they enter the 2018 model year collectively receiving a significant number of updates and additions. Considering that they share the same automaker, they consequently have some of the same components, and you can expect some good ol’ expert German engineering. However, if you absolutely have to choose one over the other, it should be the Cooper S Countryman. Here’s why:
Combined Fuel Economy
As expected from subcompacts, the 2018 MINI Cooper S Countryman and the 2018 BMW X1 have a high level of fuel efficiency. They share a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine called the B38, which is hitched to an 8-speed sport-shift automatic transmission. Plus, with either vehicle, you can choose between a two-wheel-drive system and a four-wheel-drive system. Worthy of note, however, is that the two-wheel-drive system on the Cooper S Countryman is a front-wheel drivetrain while the one on the X1 is a rear-wheel drivetrain. Two-wheel drivetrains involve power being sent to two wheels instead of four, thus requiring less energy—and consequently helping to boost the fuel economy. So, to maximize efficiency, buyers should stick with the two-wheel drive on either vehicle. On the Cooper S Countryman, the peak combined fuel economy is measured at 27 mpg. On the X1, that combined number drops to 26 mpg.
City Driving Adaptability
Designed as tiny vehicles, subcompacts are ideal for tight driving and parking situations. The 2018 MINI Cooper S Countryman is just 169.8 inches in length, which is more than acceptable for getting into dense areas or squeezing into the smallest parking spaces. And it still retains its SUV-like cabin size, which includes a passenger space of 47.6 cubic feet that contains two-row seating for up to five adult occupants. Also worthy of note is its significant amount of trunk space, which is measured at 17.6 cubic feet. By comparison, the 2018 BMW X1 is 175.4 inches long. That’s a gain of 5.6 inches, thus making the X1 less adaptable than the Cooper S Countryman.
Maneuverability
The smaller the vehicle is, the easier it will be to move around. As a result, subcompact vehicles are appealing for optimizing overall maneuverability. With its standard front-wheel drivetrain, the 2018 MINI Cooper S Countryman has a curb weight (i.e., the amount of weight a vehicle has without passengers and luggage) is measured at 3,508 lbs. With the four-wheel drive,] the curb weight is increased to 3,671 lbs. By comparison, the 2018 BMW X1 packs considerably more than its MINI counterpart. As a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, it has a curb weight of 3,543 lbs. (35 lbs. heavier). As a four-wheel-drive ride, that number goes up to 3,697 lbs. (26 lbs. heavier).
To check out the 2018 MINI Cooper S Countryman, instead of the 2018 BMW X1, contact us today to see what we have. There are lots of Cooper S Countryman units as part of our inventory, and one of our MINI sales specialists will work with you to get you into the car that fits your needs and desires. Call us today to set up an appointment for a test drive.
