Verdict
Just RM6,088 separates these two C-segment EV SUVs, but the MINI Countryman spends it on far more urge: its twin motors deliver 313 hp and 494 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 5.6 seconds against the BMW iX1 L’s 201 hp, 250 Nm and 8.6 seconds. Both use a 66.5 kWh battery and return virtually identical claimed range, at 432 km versus 433 km. The BMW counters with a 110 mm longer wheelbase, a 490-litre boot and lower RM160 annual road tax; the MINI is RM335.
Pick the BMW iX1 L if you want the lower purchase price, 490-litre boot, 2,802 mm wheelbase and a panoramic glass roof.
Pick the MINI Countryman if rapid 5.6-second performance, all-wheel drive, 22 kW AC charging and massage front seats matter more.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 L RM252,800; MINI Countryman RM258,888.
- Performance: BMW iX1 L 201 hp, 250 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds; MINI Countryman 313 hp, 494 Nm and 5.6 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW iX1 L front-wheel drive with one motor; MINI Countryman all-wheel drive with two motors.
- AC charging: BMW iX1 L 11 kW; MINI Countryman 22 kW.
- Packaging: BMW iX1 L has a 2,802 mm wheelbase and 490-litre boot; MINI Countryman has a 2,692 mm wheelbase and 460-litre boot.
- Road tax: BMW iX1 L RM160 per year; MINI Countryman RM335 per year.
iX1 L
- RM6,088 cheaper to buy and RM175 cheaper per year in road tax.
- 490-litre boot and 2,802 mm wheelbase.
- Fixed panoramic glass roof and 360-degree camera.
- 201 hp and 250 Nm trail the MINI’s 313 hp and 494 Nm.
- 11 kW AC charging is half the MINI’s 22 kW rate.
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
Countryman
- 313 hp, 494 Nm and a 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Twin-motor all-wheel drive and 22 kW AC charging.
- Driver’s memory and massage seat, plus auto parking and contactless tailgate opening.
- RM6,088 more expensive and RM335 annual road tax versus RM160.
- 460-litre boot is 30 litres smaller than the BMW’s.
- No sunroof, where the BMW gets a fixed panoramic glass roof.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800✓ | RM258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM335 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | 313 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 494 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | 433 km✓ | 432 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW | 130 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,616 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,802 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Front & Rear Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 9 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used iX1 L & Countryman for sale
iX1 L vs Countryman FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 L or MINI Countryman better?
The MINI Countryman is better for performance and all-wheel-drive traction, with 313 hp and a 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW iX1 L is the more sensible choice for luggage space, rear-seat packaging, road tax and price.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Countryman costs RM258,888, which is RM6,088 more than the BMW iX1 L at RM252,800.
Which one charges faster at home or an AC charger?
The MINI Countryman supports 22 kW AC charging, double the BMW iX1 L’s 11 kW capability. Both have the same 130 kW DC charging rate and a 66.5 kWh battery.