Home Automotive BMW X1 vs X2 vs Mini Countyman | Which should you buy?

BMW X1 vs X2 vs Mini Countyman | Which should you buy?

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BMW X1 vs X2 vs Mini
BMW X1 vs X2 vs Mini

We normally diploma out how crossovers are displacing sedans and hatchbacks on account of the day-to-day driving automotive of choice for nearly all of Americans. The BMW lineup exemplifies this shift possibly greater than one totally different premium automaker. The mannequin’s entry stage is in the interim the X1, and it strikes up the ladder to include the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7. All of those even-numbered Xs are sportier, driver-focused variations of the sooner odd-numbered fashions, which suggests the X2 is kind of very like the X1 that we’re specializing in as we discuss.

But that’s not all. BMW moreover owns the Mini mannequin, and that firm’s dealerships are equally chock-full of crossovers. And, lo and behold, platform-sharing efforts level out that the Mini Countryman could possibly be constructed atop the identical important guts on account of the BMW X1 and X2. All three are front-wheel-drive-based CUVs powered by 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, each offers all-wheel drive, and each offers a stage of utility by way of their cargo hatches over a correspondingly sized sedan’s trunk. They all share the exact same 105.1-inch wheelbase, too.

But there are key variations value declaring between these three associated crossovers. We gained’t go over every nook and cranny of the three siblings — that’s what our explicit explicit particular person Buying Guides are for, which you’re impressed to click on on on on barely beneath — nonetheless a recent week spent with an X1 xDrive28i was the precise spark for us to share a lot of concepts.

  • BMW X1 Buying Guide
  • BMW X2 Buying Guide
  • Mini Countryman Buying Guide

We’ll start with outward appearances.

None of the three of these little utility vehicles is attempting to look burly or notably rugged, though the Countryman (beneath left in blue) is arguably the gnarliest of the bunch with a square-jawed, squat look that further fastidiously resembles a stylish bulldog than one totally different automotive in Mini’s lineup. What you gained’t see on the X1, X2 or Countryman are any off-road-style accoutrements — there’s nary semi-functional skidplate to be seen all by the fluctuate. There’s some plastic cladding that appears need it’s there to protect the underside of the X1 and Countryman, nonetheless not the additional street-oriented X2 (beneath applicable in gold), though to be dependable, even extending the time interval “soft-roader” to any of these three is being a bit generous.

We assume the X2’s low-slung, hatchback-esque kind is pretty taking part, whereas the X1’s predominant seen landmark is its barely outsized — though not comically so, as is the case with one totally different BMW fashions — chrome grille. Otherwise, there isn’t pretty a bit that pulls the eye to the X1. That accommodates fashions outfitted with the M Sport bundle deal like our affirm automotive, which can be seen intimately in our high-res image gallery on the prime of this story. In place of the black plastic cladding, the M Sport will get completely fully fully totally different 18-inch wheels, a body-color “aerodynamic kit” and a redesigned fascia. It’s not pretty a bit an enchancment over the X1’s important XLine gear; it’s merely completely fully fully totally different. The X2, then as quickly as further, drastically benefits from its optionally available on the market M Sport bundle take care of its Shadowline exterior trim that provides as tons as an aggressive attempting machine. We’ll decide styling a draw between the meals routine SUV Countryman and the grown-up hot-hatch look of the X2.

Moving inside.

The X1 and X2 boast almost an comparable cabins, though the trimmings are completely fully fully totally different. Our X1 had the Black Perforated leather-based inside with blue highlights that we predict appears to be and feels implausible. The X2 (beneath left in purple) offers sportier color picks out and in, though patrons with tons so much a lot much less expressive model can go for important mild and darkish leather-based upholstery. The Countryman (beneath applicable in tan), as we’ve come to depend upon from the Mini mannequin, alternatives an inside that’s stuffed with character and attraction to whereas being just a bit bit little little little bit of an ergonomic nightmare with buttons and knobs all by and an unlimited spherical cluster applicable on the center of the dash. It’s good that Mini offers pretty a bit room for expression with inside colors, textures and picks galore, nonetheless we wish the easiest final final result was further harmonious and easier to reside with.

That leads us to utility.

While none of these vehicles could also be very massive, the X1 offers greater than probably probably basically probably the most inside dwelling and boasts the precise cargo efficiency. The Mini isn’t far behind on passenger dwelling, nonetheless falls short-term in full storage room, and the X2’s pinched roofline cuts down on headroom and makes entry into the as quickly as further seat an issue.

How do they drive?

Quite precisely. Again, you could also be taught further about their explicit explicit particular person dynamics in our Buying Guides, nonetheless fortuitously all three actually really actually really feel like premium vehicles. Still, they each have their very personal mannequin. The X1 is pretty mellow, and its dynamics may also be a letdown for BMW traditionalists. It’s simple, quiet and comfy, and whereas it has a Sport mode, the X1 in no way feels overtly sporty. If one issue, it might very effectively be actually really actually really feel a bit wallowy when cornering onerous. The solely engine obtainable available on the market contained within the X1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It performs precisely ample, as does its eight-speed automated transmission, though there are events the place the engine feels choose it’s caught flat-footed and should assemble a bit further improve.

If you’re trying to find one situation a bit sportier, the X2 may also be further to your liking. The further rakish twin has the identical base engine nonetheless could possibly be provided in M35i guise. Serving up 302 hp and 332 lb-ft., this hotter variant won’t be provided on the additional sedate X1. The X2 M35i drives further like a scorching hatch than a crossover, making it the useful mannequin for lovers.

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