Test drive both of them before decided to put my deposit down to build my Countryman S. Mini is a winner based on their style and unique on the road. For X1, X2: you can see bunch of cars on the road which look alike them. CX3, CX 30, Hyundai.... Mini: no cars on the road which look as same as Mini. Also you can refresh your Mini at anytime, change colour, vinyl stripes and make it more you.... while for X1, X2 you cant do that with them. It will be very weird looking cars on the road. BMW is bit more expensive, ofcoz you get a bit more in HP. But seriously Mini makes you feel not much different. You feel more control with Mini especially turning and acceleration. For interior, Mini is again much better in term of colour, quality and design. X1, X2 are dated and same as the rest of the same range on the market. One more fact- people will be nice with Mini on the road and they behave differently with BMW driver. My wife is currently diving 2 drs Mini and my Countryman will join the family in March. Thanks for the Video. I watched almost everything on yours channel. Big fan.
Yet another Great unbiased review. My neighbour has just purchased the BMW X2 and I have the 228bhp Countryman, our cars sit side by side on our respective driveways. After both of us watched your review with interest we decided to swap cars for the day. Conclusion: My neighbour, even though quite rightly he loves his new purchase as its a fine car, but confirms he prefers the F60. Me! Well I just love MINI. Thanks for the great review.
I want to know from a technician's perspective, Why does the Countryman get rated so much higher in Consumer Reports? Are there fewer sensors on the shared parts. I would buy the Countryman, especially in that Sage Green Metallic color spec. It is so much more unique than the BMW. The BMW looks like someone inflated a 4 series.
there's couple differences to why; there's more sound deadening in the X1/2 which makes a person's sensory perception feels slower. the standard X1/2 suspension is on the soft side. the Countryman's suspension setup is pretty much the equivalent of the M-sport package cars (because MINI wants you to feel like you're driving a MINI) which you'll have to pay more to get in the BMW. lastly, the electric steering in the X1/2 is tuned towards being more refined.
I have been going back and forth between these 2 cars for a few weeks now. I had a 17 All4 S and loved every second of it. Now looking at the X2, it's not for the badges, but the refined interior. The trackpad vs. The little "nipple thing", power leather sport seats vs. manual cloth sport seats. HEATED STEERING WHEEL!!! Those are the reasons that at the same pricepoint I am having a difficult time choosing.
You know the b48 engine in the x2 228i is the JCW engine for mini (the 3door not clubman or countryman) with the 228hp and 258lbft. I’m a BMW/MINI genius in forT Washington Pa, I can’t begin to tell you how often people love the x2 or x1 and say I wish it had more character and I present them to the countryman and watch them fall in love. Anyway great video! If you can, see if you can get a JCW Countryman and put it against an x2 m235i (same engines) I’ll be curious to see your opinion on those hotter versions with no power difference.
@@TheMINIac I can double check that for you in our technical manuals if you give me a few. You might be right on the B46D but I was under the impression it was the B46DTU that was in the S models and a B48in the JCW 3door. Again I’ll double check that so I’m not giving any wrong information
@@TheMINIac as for having access to them, I work at West German BMW in Fort Washington Pa, if we get any X2 M35i s in (highly unlikely but ya never know) I’ll shoot you a message. We never mind journalists having a review vehicle.
@@TheMINIac ok so confirmed in the mini TIS training manuals, the 3 door minis are running MINI Cooper B38A15M0 136hp MINI Cooper S B48A20M0 192hp. Clubman S runs the B46A20M1 for 189hp in the s and S ALL4 And of course the clubman JCW runs B48A20T1 with 301 hp. Unfortunately I can’t find any LCI or JCW stats on the 3door jcw’s engine I’ll dig a little deeper for you though.
@@TheMINIac forgot to respond to you. You are 100% correct. My TIS info hasn’t been updated since 2019 :( BMWNA is insanely behind on their technical training manuals. Except the G80/82 alone they just dropped 😆
So the odd numbered BMW X models are more practical in terms of cargo and passenger room. While the BMW even numbered X models look and drive a bit more sporty. I think that sums it’s up.
Hi Zach I test drove the X1 and the X2 was just being released but I felt cramped in it. Long story short I ended up buying a ‘19 Countryman JCW 6spd manual and I know I made the right decision. Love it!
Ordered a Sagegreen Countryman SE 3 weeks ago, so there's my answer. Better for me to come to customers in a Mini than a Merc/BMW/Audi. Less "to luxury car" envy.
The X1 is a much better, more practical car than the X2. Having driven both the countryman and the X1. I would go for the countryman unless you need the extra boot space of the X1. I wouldn’t even think about getting an X2. Seems a pointless car. My wife currently owns the X1 but is waiting delivery of her new countryman.
If you don't know how you feel about a car when you're in it.....then get out and get into a proper car.....a MINI. BMW owners want the badge, and don't get excited about the cars they drive. Mini owners buy Mini's for the excitement, the brand, the car, the performance, and the enjoyment of life.
Just bought a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige. Great car, great tech, great price BUT It’s not a Mini. I’m sure I’m going to take a bath but I’m trading the new Kia for a Countryman S Iconic. No comparison in drive quality. Mini makes driving FUN !
I found your channel because i was wondering about the same question... Yes even by looking at their specs you can see they are essentially the same car with styling differences and a different badge. To be honest, even after watching your video, i still haven't decided which should be considered "better". The Countryman feels better to drive and has better rear space and visibility, plus it is more cute, and somewhat cheaper depending on the options. The X2 on the other hand, i think has slightly better ground clearance, and it is slightly faster. Plus the styling is more coupe/sporty and not so cute. Feels like a more mature car, but many would say "boring" instead. We should also take into consideration that BMW haven't really updated the X2 too much and plans to discontinue it soon, while the Countryman has got a new cool digital cluster while the BMW is still analogue. I really don't know what to pick, but i am leaning towards the Countryman.
As a Mini owner and former BMW owner I do appreciate what BMW has done for Mini. I understand you may have difficulty locating a New X2 M35i to compare with a new JCW Countryman but that’s the only fair comparison to be made. This comparison was just wrong and definitely not an equal and fair comparison.Seems like you could do separate reviews of each and then do a comparison. You don’t need to have both at the same time. I would think your Dealerships would appreciate a fair comparison but that’s just my opinion.
@@TheMINIac I guess we can agree to disagree. The only true comparison would me new vs new with same engines. Horsepower matters. 😎 I understand you didn’t have access but as a fan and subscriber that’s what I would like to see. I actually drove the new BMW X2 M35i when my 2017 Countryman S was in for service. It was a huge difference over my Mini. Unfortunately I haven’t driven a new Countryman JCW yet. But I’m definitely considering it as my next Mini based solely on that new powerful engine, again horsepower matters.
@@TheMINIac You do realize you have now said the exact same thing I said in my original comment. The only fair comparison is between the new JCW Countryman and X2M35i. I’m hoping to drive a new JCW soon and if all goes well I will be purchasing one 🤞
Would really like you to compare the latest Countryman 2022/2023 to the latest BMW X1 (2023) or even better yet the newly designed BMW X2. My lease is coming up on my 2022 Sage Green Mini Countryman and I'm seriously looking forward to trying out the new BMW X2. The additional safety features and increased HP on the BMW compared to the Mini Countryman are certainly items that will influence my final decision on whether to keep and purchase my lease or jump into a new lease on a 2024 BMW X1 or X2.
Better comparison would be with the new Countryman compared to the new X1 and X2. The Countryman will always win out as far as fun to drive and quirkiness. Something the BMW’s just don’t have.
As a new Sage green countryman owner (loving it), I have to disagree on the gauges. They’re the only part of the car I already dislike. I can’t see the bottom of them if I have the steering wheel higher than my lap.
The X2 is not exactly a Mini Countryman, as it takes its front end set up directly from the X1. This seems to be why it feels nervous in the corners and is prone to understeer. I think the X2, like the X1, is fitted with firmer springs for the US market, and perhaps this is why there is little indication to the driver that the X2 is about to understeer -- it comes on suddenly. Here in the UK, using non-M Sport suspension, the car begins to roll a bit, soon after entering the corner, giving the driver prior warning that the car is about to go straight on. I find it remarkable that BMW have not tried to replicate the Mini steering set-up on the X2. Having owned a Countryman, an X2, and a BMW Active Tourer, I can say that the latter is closer to the Mini in handling, although the AT still does not possess the quick and responsive steering of the Mini. Time for Beemer to enter the 21st Century?
@@TheMINIac This is true, regarding the platform, but I did not think I needed to mention it. I think the Active Tourer also uses the same platform. As you say, there is something a little odd about the X2 front end, perhaps beyond what I've already said. Not scary, but a bit disconcerting.
Torque is the same more or less between models. The issue is the new gearbox is limited to about 300 foot pounds since it’s not a torque converter transmission but utilizes a dual clutch system.
You're right the X2 is just a Mini wearing BMW's ugliest shape. I don't know why anyone cross shopping these two vehicles would pay more for the X2. BTW the BMW gauges are in fact digital, not analog. The X2 and 2 series Gran Coupe are the worst BMWs because they're not BMWs, they're Minis. X1 > X2 all day long.
THE ROAD AND WIND NOISE OF THE COUNTRYMAN IS A JOKE . VERY LITTLE SOUND INSULATION. ALSO THE PERIFERALS OF ENGINE AND ELECTRIC COMPONENTS OF THE BMW ARE BETTER. THAT'S WHY BMW ARE BETTER AND MORE EXPENSIVE.
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
The countrymen’s looks would definitely age better.
Hey man I own the countryman and the X2 and I definitely prefer the mini. I feel more connected with the mini.
Really good video 👍
You are 100% right the Mini it’s winner it’s better car 👍👌
Test drive both of them before decided to put my deposit down to build my Countryman S. Mini is a winner based on their style and unique on the road.
For X1, X2: you can see bunch of cars on the road which look alike them. CX3, CX 30, Hyundai....
Mini: no cars on the road which look as same as Mini. Also you can refresh your Mini at anytime, change colour, vinyl stripes and make it more you.... while for X1, X2 you cant do that with them. It will be very weird looking cars on the road.
BMW is bit more expensive, ofcoz you get a bit more in HP. But seriously Mini makes you feel not much different. You feel more control with Mini especially turning and acceleration.
For interior, Mini is again much better in term of colour, quality and design. X1, X2 are dated and same as the rest of the same range on the market.
One more fact- people will be nice with Mini on the road and they behave differently with BMW driver.
My wife is currently diving 2 drs Mini and my Countryman will join the family in March.
Thanks for the Video. I watched almost everything on yours channel. Big fan.
Mini Countryman definitely wins in all the categories the host mentioned
Thanks for the video! Its crazy how similar they are, but I feel like the MINI was the winner.
I feel like they had to make the BMW feel like a lower end BMW, where as MINI just build's MINIs
For sure I will go with mini cooper s Countrymen 👍
Yet another Great unbiased review. My neighbour has just purchased the BMW X2 and I have the 228bhp Countryman, our cars sit side by side on our respective driveways. After both of us watched your review with interest we decided to swap cars for the day. Conclusion: My neighbour, even though quite rightly he loves his new purchase as its a fine car, but confirms he prefers the F60. Me! Well I just love MINI. Thanks for the great review.
I want to know from a technician's perspective, Why does the Countryman get rated so much higher in Consumer Reports? Are there fewer sensors on the shared parts. I would buy the Countryman, especially in that Sage Green Metallic color spec. It is so much more unique than the BMW. The BMW looks like someone inflated a 4 series.
there's couple differences to why; there's more sound deadening in the X1/2 which makes a person's sensory perception feels slower. the standard X1/2 suspension is on the soft side. the Countryman's suspension setup is pretty much the equivalent of the M-sport package cars (because MINI wants you to feel like you're driving a MINI) which you'll have to pay more to get in the BMW. lastly, the electric steering in the X1/2 is tuned towards being more refined.
I have been going back and forth between these 2 cars for a few weeks now. I had a 17 All4 S and loved every second of it. Now looking at the X2, it's not for the badges, but the refined interior. The trackpad vs. The little "nipple thing", power leather sport seats vs. manual cloth sport seats. HEATED STEERING WHEEL!!! Those are the reasons that at the same pricepoint I am having a difficult time choosing.
You know the b48 engine in the x2 228i is the JCW engine for mini (the 3door not clubman or countryman) with the 228hp and 258lbft. I’m a BMW/MINI genius in forT Washington Pa, I can’t begin to tell you how often people love the x2 or x1 and say I wish it had more character and I present them to the countryman and watch them fall in love. Anyway great video! If you can, see if you can get a JCW Countryman and put it against an x2 m235i (same engines) I’ll be curious to see your opinion on those hotter versions with no power difference.
@@TheMINIac I can double check that for you in our technical manuals if you give me a few. You might be right on the B46D but I was under the impression it was the B46DTU that was in the S models and a B48in the JCW 3door. Again I’ll double check that so I’m not giving any wrong information
@@TheMINIac as for having access to them, I work at West German BMW in Fort Washington Pa, if we get any X2 M35i s in (highly unlikely but ya never know) I’ll shoot you a message. We never mind journalists having a review vehicle.
@@TheMINIac ok so confirmed in the mini TIS training manuals, the 3 door minis are running
MINI Cooper B38A15M0 136hp
MINI Cooper S B48A20M0 192hp.
Clubman S runs the B46A20M1 for 189hp in the s and S ALL4
And of course the clubman JCW runs B48A20T1 with 301 hp.
Unfortunately I can’t find any LCI or JCW stats on the 3door jcw’s engine I’ll dig a little deeper for you though.
@@TheMINIac haha yeah definitely a bit of a drive.
@@TheMINIac forgot to respond to you. You are 100% correct. My TIS info hasn’t been updated since 2019 :( BMWNA is insanely behind on their technical training manuals. Except the G80/82 alone they just dropped 😆
So the odd numbered BMW X models are more practical in terms of cargo and passenger room. While the BMW even numbered X models look and drive a bit more sporty. I think that sums it’s up.
Countryman for me. 👍
Loved the video!! But I love all your stuff. Great to hear your thoughts on both cars. 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Zach
I test drove the X1 and the X2 was just being released but I felt cramped in it. Long story short I ended up buying a ‘19 Countryman JCW 6spd manual and I know I made the right decision. Love it!
THATS YOUR OPINION
X2 BMW DESPITE
I DRIVEN BOTH CARS MYSELF!!!
X2 !!!! FOR ME YOUNG MAN 👨
Ordered a Sagegreen Countryman SE 3 weeks ago, so there's my answer. Better for me to come to customers in a Mini than a Merc/BMW/Audi. Less "to luxury car" envy.
Hi, i would like to add. The X2 has a quieter cabin from wind noise and road noise than the mini.
@@TheMINIac good to know. Accoustic glass?
The X1 is a much better, more practical car than the X2. Having driven both the countryman and the X1. I would go for the countryman unless you need the extra boot space of the X1. I wouldn’t even think about getting an X2. Seems a pointless car. My wife currently owns the X1 but is waiting delivery of her new countryman.
If you don't know how you feel about a car when you're in it.....then get out and get into a proper car.....a MINI. BMW owners want the badge, and don't get excited about the cars they drive. Mini owners buy Mini's for the excitement, the brand, the car, the performance, and the enjoyment of life.
i would buy the mini over a bmw anyday
Great video which helps me decide since I’m thinking about both. I own the countryman now but thinking the m x2 next maybe. Or the clubman
Thank you for a great comparison review.
MINI for me so not swopping my current Countryman Cooper S
Just bought a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige. Great car, great tech, great price BUT It’s not a Mini.
I’m sure I’m going to take a bath but I’m trading the new Kia for a Countryman S Iconic. No comparison in drive quality. Mini makes driving FUN !
I found your channel because i was wondering about the same question... Yes even by looking at their specs you can see they are essentially the same car with styling differences and a different badge. To be honest, even after watching your video, i still haven't decided which should be considered "better". The Countryman feels better to drive and has better rear space and visibility, plus it is more cute, and somewhat cheaper depending on the options. The X2 on the other hand, i think has slightly better ground clearance, and it is slightly faster. Plus the styling is more coupe/sporty and not so cute. Feels like a more mature car, but many would say "boring" instead. We should also take into consideration that BMW haven't really updated the X2 too much and plans to discontinue it soon, while the Countryman has got a new cool digital cluster while the BMW is still analogue. I really don't know what to pick, but i am leaning towards the Countryman.
Ha, I traded in my JCW CLUBMAN for the X2, I should have gone with the Countryman S.
Interesting…I will go for mini 🙂
As a Mini owner and former BMW owner I do appreciate what BMW has done for Mini. I understand you may have difficulty locating a New X2 M35i to compare with a new JCW Countryman but that’s the only fair comparison to be made. This comparison was just wrong and definitely not an equal and fair comparison.Seems like you could do separate reviews of each and then do a comparison. You don’t need to have both at the same time. I would think your Dealerships would appreciate a fair comparison but that’s just my opinion.
@@TheMINIac I guess we can agree to disagree. The only true comparison would me new vs new with same engines. Horsepower matters. 😎 I understand you didn’t have access but as a fan and subscriber that’s what I would like to see. I actually drove the new BMW X2 M35i when my 2017 Countryman S was in for service.
It was a huge difference over my Mini. Unfortunately I haven’t driven a new Countryman JCW yet. But I’m definitely considering it as my next Mini based solely on that new powerful engine, again horsepower matters.
@@TheMINIac You do realize you have now said the exact same thing I said in my original comment.
The only fair comparison is between the new JCW Countryman and X2M35i. I’m hoping to drive a new JCW soon and if all goes well I will be purchasing one 🤞
BMW is just a boring, business-man type of car.....It is not much different looking from other brands...but Mini is unique ..in my opinion.
Would really like you to compare the latest Countryman 2022/2023 to the latest BMW X1 (2023) or even better yet the newly designed BMW X2. My lease is coming up on my 2022 Sage Green Mini Countryman and I'm seriously looking forward to trying out the new BMW X2. The additional safety features and increased HP on the BMW compared to the Mini Countryman are certainly items that will influence my final decision on whether to keep and purchase my lease or jump into a new lease on a 2024 BMW X1 or X2.
Better comparison would be with the new Countryman compared to the new X1 and X2.
The Countryman will always win out as far as fun to drive and quirkiness. Something the BMW’s just don’t have.
How does the new Countryman differ from the 2022 model?
@@JCGray52 the 2025 Countryman is built on the new FAAR platform versus UKL2.
Thank you! Will definitely checkout the new 2025 Countryman. Will be looking forward to your review on it.
As a new Sage green countryman owner (loving it), I have to disagree on the gauges. They’re the only part of the car I already dislike. I can’t see the bottom of them if I have the steering wheel higher than my lap.
Dear vloger, please mention the car in the seeking line to easily identify ,will you drive only bmw
Simple , mini is feels go-kart . Which focus and direct
BMW more isolated from the road. MINI is more connected to it. Just depends on whether your brain is able to process the extra information.
The X2 is not exactly a Mini Countryman, as it takes its front end set up directly from the X1. This seems to be why it feels nervous in the corners and is prone to understeer. I think the X2, like the X1, is fitted with firmer springs for the US market, and perhaps this is why there is little indication to the driver that the X2 is about to understeer -- it comes on suddenly. Here in the UK, using non-M Sport suspension, the car begins to roll a bit, soon after entering the corner, giving the driver prior warning that the car is about to go straight on. I find it remarkable that BMW have not tried to replicate the Mini steering set-up on the X2. Having owned a Countryman, an X2, and a BMW Active Tourer, I can say that the latter is closer to the Mini in handling, although the AT still does not possess the quick and responsive steering of the Mini. Time for Beemer to enter the 21st Century?
@@TheMINIac This is true, regarding the platform, but I did not think I needed to mention it. I think the Active Tourer also uses the same platform. As you say, there is something a little odd about the X2 front end, perhaps beyond what I've already said. Not scary, but a bit disconcerting.
I loves Mini Countryman ! Everything wins BMW stupid X2 !
Absolutely 😂🎉
8 badges... you’re forgetting the badges on the wheels.. lol
The biggest problem is the headroom in the back? LOL Ridiculous.
Mini Countryman it is!
Mini is cool, I think BMW got more hp...😎
B48 engine. B46 is a diesel.
Mini guaranteed
Do you like the countryman or the clubman?
@@TheMINIac I regrfully got an xt4 because bmw and mini aren’t available. so regret it. should have waited
2022 JCW Countryman with 330 ft lbs of torque rockets out of corners. A lot less torque in newer MINIs and the BMW X2 M35i.
Torque is the same more or less between models. The issue is the new gearbox is limited to about 300 foot pounds since it’s not a torque converter transmission but utilizes a dual clutch system.
Selection Bias
@@TheMINIac 14:58 you said it yourself
@@TheMINIac you literally said you were biased
@@TheMINIac yeah I think you did a good job, nothing wrong with having a preference.
No steering wheel heating, no blind spots warning on Mini so far
If countryman must be Jcw only
You're right the X2 is just a Mini wearing BMW's ugliest shape. I don't know why anyone cross shopping these two vehicles would pay more for the X2. BTW the BMW gauges are in fact digital, not analog. The X2 and 2 series Gran Coupe are the worst BMWs because they're not BMWs, they're Minis. X1 > X2 all day long.
And BMW took the fun out of them to appeal to BMW customers resulting in dull handling
THE ROAD AND WIND NOISE OF THE COUNTRYMAN IS A JOKE .
VERY LITTLE SOUND INSULATION. ALSO THE PERIFERALS OF ENGINE AND ELECTRIC COMPONENTS OF THE BMW ARE BETTER. THAT'S WHY BMW ARE BETTER AND MORE EXPENSIVE.
Same engines.
The BMW is tuned to be more soft, ergo, boring.
X2 M35i blows the Mini away. Much more sporty than the Mini
JCW is the.same hp wise 306hp