New BMW X1 vs. MINI Countryman 2025: Two Nearly Identical SUVs with a Massive €12,780 Price Gap

Both wear the Eco label, share the same platform and engine, but the MINI Countryman 2025 costs almost €13,000 less than the BMW X1. Which one really deserves your money?

Two premium SUVs with the same DNA… but very different prices

The BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman 2025 are two compact premium SUVs from the BMW Group that, despite their contrasting designs, share much of their engineering and technology. Both sit on the same platform and use the same 1.5-liter turbo engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and the Eco environmental label, making them efficient choices for drivers who want refinement and performance without sacrificing sustainability.

Almost identical dimensions and driving dynamics

In terms of size, the two models are practically twins: the BMW X1 measures 4.50 meters, while the MINI Countryman is 4.44 meters long, and both share an identical 2.69-meter wheelbase. Their balance between agility and comfort allows them to compete directly with the Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40. Yet, their personalities differ – the BMW aims for an elegant, executive feel, while the MINI maintains its playful, urban character.

Same engine, same performance

Under the bonnet, both the BMW X1 sDrive20i and the MINI Countryman C feature the same three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive. Their performance figures are nearly identical: 0–100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, with top speeds of 216 km/h for the BMW and 212 km/h for the MINI. Fuel consumption is equally close, at 5.8 and 5.9 L/100 km, respectively. The MINI’s boot offers 450 liters, compared to the 500 liters of the BMW X1.

Premium equipment across the board

Both SUVs come loaded with high-end technology and advanced safety systems. Standard features include seven airbags, dual-zone climate control, rear-view camera, parking assist, ambient lighting, navigation, electric tailgate, smartphone integration, and drive mode selector. Safety equipment is comprehensive as well, with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, and traffic sign recognition – proof that both models uphold the premium standards expected from the BMW Group.

The big difference: the price

Here’s where things get interesting. The BMW X1 sDrive20i 2025/2026 starts at €48,300, while the MINI Countryman C 2025/2026 begins at €35,520 – a massive €12,780 difference. Technically, they’re almost the same car, but one offers the prestige of a BMW badge, while the other delivers unbeatable value for money. The real question is: would you pay nearly €13,000 more just for the BMW logo?