The BMW X1s are available now at dealers. I sat in one today at lunchtime. I did not drive it. It was an X1 sDrive28i with a configured MSRP of $36,545. That is pretty close to the Countryman in price. It had leather and the premium package as well.

The interior was more 'normal' and business-like than the Mini, and the trunk is larger, but overall I prefer the Mini interior. The biggest reason was the rear seating. I found the rear seats to be a lot less comfortable than the CM bucket seats. Forget about sitting someone in the middle -- you have this big hump from the tranny in the middle and less space between front and rear seats. I had a very hard time sliding over -- for the record I am 6'-1.But in the Mini I easily move over. When I drop my kids off at school they get off on the passenger side so the one needs to be able to slide over easily. This would be difficult in an X1.

In fact, I had a difficult time just getting into and out of the rear, where I had no problem with the Mini. I would also change into my riding clothes in the back seat of the Mini as well. No way in the X1. And, when you put the center seat down for the cupholders the rear seat becomes really narrow and uncomfortable. Bottom line is if you have kids or carry more than two people regularly, the Mini is a better choice. Overall I think the Mini feels roomier.

Also, the X1 has a front passenger side cupholder that sticks out the side that is removable - sort of awkward. And I didn't like the headliner - as thin feeling as the Mini's is, this one is equally as bad, if not worse. You could reach your hand in front and tug on it and it was loose - nothing holding it in place - like a piece of cardboard with hard plastic in the center.

X1 has a more powerful engine and 8-speed transmission, so it may be faster but it won't be any quicker. Gas mileage-wise it won't be better. Plus there's no disco lights in the X1.

From what I've seen, given the choice between the X1 and CM I would still choose the Countryman.

I am actually in the midst of deciding between the two as we need another car. CM is smaller, but not by much. X1 does have disadvantage as its RWD architecture requires axle tunnel in the center of rear floor as OP stated. X1 is definitely more refined in every aspect, design and ride quality, but it's more expensive. X1 is faster due to stronger engine. Fuel consumption is very similar: 24/33mpg vs 25/32mpg (X1 sDrive vs FWD CMS) X1 drives like a proper RWD BMW (read NO TORQUE STEER!), but CMS is fun in its own right.

In terms of pricing and features/options, MINI is an arguably better choice, but X1 is very tempting.

BMW X1

Length - 175 inches (4454 mm)
Height - 60.8 inches (1545 mm)
Width - 70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Wheelbase - 108.6 inches (2760 mm)
Cargo capacity - 420 liters

Mini Countryman

Length - 161.3 inches (4097 mm)
Height - 61.5 inches (1561 mm)
Width - 70.4 inches (1789 mm)
Wheelbase - 102.2 inches (2595 mm)
Cargo capacity - 350 liters

Detailed photos per Auto und Sport
http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423908

Personally I think the X1 is just plain UGLY! Yeesh!!. . .no offense of coarse, to those who think it attractive!

Agreed...all those acute angles and edges...as if it were designed by a committee...like the hatch committee couldn't agree with the panel committee who couldn't agree with the nose committee...yech.

I agree. It's not my cup of tea - reminds me of a Pontiac Aztek!

X3 ftw!!!

Not to mention you can't get a X1 or X3 with a manual. I know with more power in the X1 it's a better fit and the target market would prefer the auto. Manual option is the big selling point for the countryman for myself, and like others have stated it looks better.

I think the X1 is overpriced, even more so than the CM. It's a eglier version of the already aging X3 design. It looks like an X3.
I really do prefer the CM look (not being biased) but one of the reasons I bought it is because its unique. It looks like no other car/crossover on the road. It looks like a Mini, it doesnt look like another version of something else.

To get comparable options like AWD, etc, the X1 becomes extremely overpriced even in its own class.

The increased power of the N20 would be nice in the CM tho. I'm still waiting for a nice ecu flash option. (NM-E coming soon)

I'm in love with Mini Couper Countryman SD Absolute Black.....

Bring the Countryman diesel to the US! The manual needs the added torque.

totally agree, but I would not hold my breath on this one. According to C&D, BMW is killing the X5 3.5d in the US for 2013 which means that BMW will again no longer be selling any diesels in the US.
I was hoping for a 3 Touring, an X1, or an X3 with a diesel and a manual in the lineup soon, but it probbaly won't happen.

Yes, sounds like the CM SD would be fabulous, but at this point I guess BMW realizes that Americans just don't have much of an appetite for diesel cars. I wonder if we will see more hybrids from BMW as Americans seem to be embracing that technology much more than diesels. Would a diesel hybrid make any sense?

It's a "look", and so is the CM. I never even considered the X1 though, because I like the "personality" of the MINI--along with the peppy, agile fun of driving it.

my understanding is the mini/bmw diesel engine is not clean enough (like bluetec is). therefore, it's not capable of passing california emissions. no car company is going to bring a model to our shores if it's not salable in california. they'd have to reiinvent their diesel engine to bring it.

too bad. traded my vw diesel sportwagen for a CMS and i miss the engine. even at 140hp, the sportwagen is a hoot to drive.

Thanks for starting this post and all the subsquent commentary! I ordered a CMS All4 a month ago, but when I went to the dealership(s), I went with build sheets in hand for the CM and the X1, not knowing for sure which one I should get. I was considering the X1 due to it seeming bigger (only seen it online) and able to accommodate more "stuff". However, when I arrived BMW didn't have an X1 available for me to check out, so I walked upstairs and ordered the CM (which had been my original desire anyway). This thread has made me feel very secure in my choice. Thank you!

I did notice one very usable and practical cupholder

We saw the X1 at a local BMW/MINI dealer rally yesterday. Longer, about the same
width, not quite as tall, no manual, second row of seats less comfortable, less storage.
We didn't drive it, but it probably has a smoother ride. Just not very interesting to us.

The X1, like the X6 and new 4-door 6 series are totally unnecessary and cars solely built to expand BMW marketshare. There is very little need for this vehicle, considering there's already the X3 and X5 (and rumor of X7 on the way). Not too mention, its pretty fugly IMO.

Peugeot makes one--the 508 Hybrid4. It's actually a diesel-electric powerplant (like a submarine). Hefty price premium, though.

I could not disagree with you more, and clearly the marketplace does not agree with you either. BMW deserves to be congratulated for correctly realizing how hot the market is for compact CUV's and what shopper's priorities really are. X1 sales worldwide are nothing short of TERRIFIC. I would not be at all surprised if it outsells the X3 here once shoppers become familiar with it. BMW had to delay the U.S. introduction until they could bring more capacity on line. My opinion is that it looks far better live versus the photos I've seen. I also think many casual observers think it's much more similar to the X3 than it really is just because the body shape is similar. Have you looked closely at and driven both? You opinion may change. The X1 drives far more like a car than the X3. I do agree it's overpriced (but that's nothing new with BMW's and Mini's), and what I especially don't like is how they are bundling expensive options together. For example, if you want Park Distance Control, you have to buy two option packages totalling $3450 just to get it. Ouch.

I haven't seem this confirmed anywhere Smithwerks, is this solid?

its as solid as what NM-E says. It was due for the end of July originally, but it's now august so I am pretty sure they are working on it. Its just a matter of when. I'm going to wait for the NM-E set up as I like the company & the products they make. They dont tune for max hp, they tend to aim for best drivability & performance w/o sacrificing reliability/drivability/or engine safety.

Only thing that knocks an X1 out of the running for me is the complete lack of a manual.

Looks are subjective, I like the Countryman looks, but the SO thinks she'd puke in her mouth to sit in one.

I, however, would drive an Aztec if it drove like a mini or a BMW and had a manual transmission.

Different strokes...