Verdict
The RM20,000 gap puts the MINI Countryman into a different class of pace and practicality: its two motors produce 313 hp and 494 Nm, reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and leave 460 litres for luggage. The Lexus LBX counters with a smaller 4,190-mm footprint, petrol-hybrid flexibility and RM120 annual road tax against RM335. For a Malaysian buyer without dependable charging, the LBX is the easier fit; with home or workplace charging, the Countryman’s 432-km EV range, all-wheel drive and 130-kW DC capability make the stronger case.
Pick the Lexus LBX if petrol-hybrid running, a 4,190-mm body and lower RM120 annual road tax suit your routine better than EV charging.
Pick the MINI Countryman if you can charge regularly and want 313 hp, 432 km of EV range and a 460-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LBX RM238,888; MINI Countryman RM258,888.
- Powertrain: Lexus has a 1,490 cc petrol hybrid with one 93-hp, 185-Nm motor; MINI has two motors with 313 hp and 494 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus LBX 9.6 seconds; MINI Countryman 5.6 seconds.
- Size: Lexus LBX is 4,190 mm long with a 2,580-mm wheelbase; MINI Countryman is 4,433 mm long with a 2,692-mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: Lexus LBX 315 litres; MINI Countryman 460 litres.
- Road tax: Lexus LBX RM120 per year; MINI Countryman RM335 per year.
LBX
- Petrol-hybrid powertrain avoids charging dependence.
- 243 mm shorter body is easier to place in town.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty plus eight-year unlimited-mileage hybrid-battery cover.
- 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time trails the MINI’s 5.6 seconds.
- 315-litre boot is 145 litres smaller than the MINI’s.
- Front-wheel drive and torsion-beam rear suspension versus the MINI’s all-wheel drive and multi-link rear.
Countryman
- 313 hp and 494 Nm from two electric motors.
- 432-km EV range, with 22-kW AC and 130-kW DC charging.
- 460-litre boot, 40:20:40 reclining rear seat and contactless powered tailgate.
- RM20,000 more expensive than the Lexus LBX.
- RM335 annual road tax is RM215 higher.
- At 4,433 mm long and 1,656 mm tall, it is larger than the 4,190-mm, 1,550-mm LBX.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM238,888✓ | RM258,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM335 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated, Atkinson cycle with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,490 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 90 hp | — |
| Torque | 120 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 93 hp | 313 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 185 Nm | 494 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 432 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 130 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | E-CVT | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,190 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,550 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 315 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 245/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave ECC300+ | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Cushion Bag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual 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 | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with nanoe Ioniser | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 4 USB-C Ports, 2 12V sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.8" Multimedia Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker 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 Start | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | 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 |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on hybrid battery | 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 LBX & Countryman for sale
LBX vs Countryman FAQ
Is the Lexus LBX or MINI Countryman better?
The MINI Countryman is better for outright performance, luggage space and EV driving, with 313 hp, a 5.6-second sprint and 460-litre boot. The Lexus LBX is better for buyers who need petrol-hybrid flexibility, a smaller footprint and lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Countryman costs RM20,000 more than the Lexus LBX: RM258,888 versus RM238,888.
Which is more practical for carrying luggage?
The MINI Countryman is more practical for luggage, with a 460-litre boot versus the Lexus LBX’s 315 litres. Its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat also reclines, while the LBX uses a 60:40 split-folding arrangement.