Compare the2024 MINI Cooper ClubmanVS 2024 BMW X1

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, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors 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 15 points higher than the X1.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated lower.

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.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 9th.

The JCW Clubman’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 295) than the X1 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

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

An eight-speed automatic is available on the MINI Cooper Clubman, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the X1.

The Cooper Clubman stops shorter than the X1:

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 55 series tires. The JCW Clubman’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the X1’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Cooper Clubman can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The X1 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

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.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Clubman’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the X1’s (37.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The MINI Cooper Clubman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 500 pounds less than the BMW X1.

The Cooper Clubman is 8.7 inches shorter than the X1 xDrive28i, making the Cooper Clubman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper Clubman is 7.9 inches shorter in height than the X1, making the Cooper Clubman much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The Cooper Clubman has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X1 with its rear seat folded (47.9 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

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.

The Cooper Clubman’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The X1’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The Cooper Clubman’s standard Comfort Access allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Comfort Go standard on the X1 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

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.

The Cooper Clubman’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The X1 doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The Cooper Clubman has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the X1.

The Cooper Clubman is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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 53.99% to 56.29% of its original price after five years, while the X1 only retains 53.35%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the MINI Cooper Clubman and the BMW X1, based on reliability, safety and performance.