First post here so I need to start with Hello:

I am considering replacing my 99 Chevy Tahoe with a 2012 Clubman. Anybody on this forum replace a large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition etc.) with a Clubman and if so, did you regret the decision? The only reservations that I have are long term comfort (I am 6'-5" tall) and snow traction. I figure I can solve the snow traction issue with dedicated snow tires so my question is more about snow depths. Is there a specific snow depth that makes driving a Clubman problematic.

Thanks for your input!!!

Haven't done what you are planning, went from a mid sized suv to a countryman all4. That might be a more appropriate downsize for you, especially if snow is a frequent concern. The all4 handles very well in ice/snow conditions and sits higher up. I wouldn't mind a Clubman for spring/summer/fall, but I don't have a need for more cars.

Whatever you choose, best of luck!!!

I have both a Tahoe and a Clubman. I'm 6'1" medium build and I fit in the clubby just fine although I wouldn't recommend anyone sitting directly behind you since the seat will be farther back. Can't comment on driving the clubman in the snow but when I do go skiing I take the Tahoe cause it's 4wd.

I know i'm out of "my area" but i went from a '99 GMC Sierra, extended cab 4WD, to the r53. I'm 6'0" so if i absolutely have to, someone can sit behind me(not comfortable though). You probably aren't going to get much for your tahoe, so i wouldn't sell it. I sold my truck and regret it. Don't misread that though. I love the mini and don't ever plan on selling it, but you aren't moving anything around in it. snow clearance is about 3" - another reason to keep the truck if you are in a snowy area.

Great question. I live in Connecticut, and went from an 04' Nissan Xterra to a 2012 Clubman (non S). Best decision ever. I'm only about 5'8" and I actually never had snow tires and never got stuck. Lots of fun in the snow, but I would still recommend using snow tires if you're not poor like me, and can afford them.

Thanks for all the input. Will likely sell the Tahoe as I don't need another vehicle in the driveway. Keep the responses coming.

I traded in my 2002 Montero Limited for my Clubman. You lose space and ground clearance. I have to plan my Snow driving more carefully now ,but I am still running just All Season Run Flats for now. We bought Snow Tires for our Countryman, but the Pirelli's on it were not forgiving at all in snow.
I'm only 6' 1", so I can't say how well you'd fit in the Clubbie.
The seats do lower down a fair amount via a lever on the side of the seat.
Winter Driving, I am more worried about High Centering the Clubman since it's pretty flat underneath and can get lifted right up like other cars in the right situation like packed snow or driving in deep ruts.

you mean like this

So the 2012 Clubman S that I test drove has a couple of annoyances. The tires are horrendously noisy. It currently has General tires so my guess is they aren't the best quality. With good tires are these things much quieter? I wouldn't be able take that noise. Another thing I noted was a grinding sound from the rear brakes. I couldn't get a good look at the pad thickness so maybe it just needs new pads.

Tires and noise level can be played with. I have the Continental All Season Run Flats, not as quiet as I'd like, but they can always be replaced.
Rear brake noise- Yep, if the car has been sitting and not driven, the rear rotors get rusty and you have to drive the car and brake/wear the rust off the rotor surfaces to quiet the brakes back down.
I've been thinking about trying some aftermarket rotors to stop this from happening so easily with my stock rear brakes....

Makes sense on the rotors. They were rusty even after a test drive. I have no experience with run flat tires. Do they tend to be more noisy?

Usually the #1 complaint on Run Flats

I went from a 99 Jeep Cherokee and a 2008 Altima to the Clubman. Was a bit concerned at first about snow traction since I'm located in Denver. But as you mention with dedicated snow tires it's been the best snow car I've ever driven, even better than the Jeep. I've driven it in up to 8" of snow w/o any issue so far, though I doubt I'd risk much more than that.

Still working the wife over. The one I am looking at has a sunroof and I would rather get one without. Trying to be patient and wait.


Is there a significant difference between normal and sport suspension. What are the telltales that I can use to easily identify one or the other. On the BMW e39 5 series I can spot the differences a mile away.

We bought our Clubman S last October and it had fairly new Yokohamas on it. I thought they were noisy when we got it, especially on grooved highway. I finally had enough and replaced them last weekend with some Kuhmos. The difference is night and day. I am 6'4'' and I fit comfortably leg room and head room. We live North of Denver and my drives it to work at DIA, about 40 miles one way. She has never had issues in the snow and our neighborhood had 8'' in the street this past Winter. I have a blast driving it.

What Yoko's, if you don't mind me asking?
I've had great luck with various Yokohamas over the years.

I don't know which ones they were, but they were not run flats.

I went from a Honda Pilot AWD to a 2013 Clubman S. Such a nice change from the last 20 years of "Mom cars"
I put snow tires on mine in the winter and it handles great! Actually better than my Pilot did.
2 years later and I still love driving my Mini!

As an owner of both a large SUV (Mercedes GL450) and a 2014 Mini Clubman S I can tell you that I have come to realize I very rarely need/use the large capacity of the SUV. Winter driving is no issue with my clubby especially with winter tires, but quite capable with all seasons. Sure the Benz has a much roomier and cushier ride, no comparison but I rarely need it. I am 6' and fit more than fine in my clubby, so at 6' 4" I would assume you also fit well but only you can determine that.