Compare the2023 MINI Cooper ClubmanVS 2022 BMW X1

The Cooper Clubman has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The X1 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Cooper Clubman and the X1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available front parking sensors.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Cooper Clubman’s reliability 47 points higher than the X1.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

The JCW Clubman’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 73 more horsepower (301 vs. 228) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper Clubman gets better mileage than the X1:

The Cooper Clubman offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The X1 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Cooper Clubman offers an available sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The X1 doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the JCW Clubman’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the X1:

The Cooper Clubman stops much shorter than the X1:

For better traction, the JCW Clubman’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X1 (235/35R19 vs. 225/50R18).

The Cooper Clubman S’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X1’s standard 50 series tires. The JCW Clubman’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the X1’s optional 45 series tires.

The Cooper Clubman offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The X1’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Cooper Clubman S handles at .91 G’s, while the X1 xDrive28i pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MINI Cooper Clubman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 100 to 200 pounds less than the BMW X1.

The Cooper Clubman is 7 inches shorter than the X1, making the Cooper Clubman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Cooper Clubman uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The X1 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The front step up height for the Cooper Clubman is 1.3 inches lower than the X1 (15.7” vs. 17”). The Cooper Clubman’s rear step up height is 2.3 inches lower than the X1’s (15” vs. 17.3”).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Cooper Clubman easier. The Cooper Clubman’s trunk lift-over height is 27.2 inches, while the X1’s liftover is 28.5 inches.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 7% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Clubman to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The X1 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Cooper Clubman’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the X1’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Cooper Clubman offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The X1 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To better shield the driver’s vision, the Cooper Clubman has a standard dual-element sun visor that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The X1 doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

The Cooper Clubman will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Cooper Clubman will retain 49.17% to 51.06% of its original price after five years, while the X1 only retains 47.06% to 47.87%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Cooper Clubman is less expensive to operate than the X1 because typical repairs cost much less on the Cooper Clubman than the X1, including $316 less for a water pump, $571 less for a muffler, $45 less for front brake pads, $168 less for a starter, $347 less for fuel injection, $46 less for a fuel pump, $77 less for front struts and $497 less for a timing belt/chain.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Clubman first among compact cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The X1 isn’t in the top three in its category.