Compare the2026 MINI Countryman SEVS 2026 BMW iX

Both the Countryman SE and the iX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

On the EPA test cycle the Countryman SE gets better mileage than the iX:

The Countryman SE stops shorter than the iX:

The Countryman SE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the iX xDrive45/60’s standard 60 series tires.

The Countryman SE’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the iX’s (48.6% to 51.4%). This gives the Countryman SE more stable handling and braking.

The Countryman SE handles at .85 G’s, while the iX xDrive60 pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Countryman SE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the iX xDrive60 (25.7 seconds @ .73 average G’s vs. 26.2 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Countryman SE’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the iX’s (38.7 feet vs. 42 feet).

The MINI Countryman SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1250 pounds less than the BMW iX.

The Countryman SE is 1 foot, 8.5 inches shorter than the iX, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Countryman SE’s rear seats recline. The iX’s rear seats don’t recline.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Countryman SE. The iX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 12% lower rating, BMW is ranked 10th.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Countryman SE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The iX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Countryman SE first among small suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The iX isn’t in the top three in its category.

The MINI Countryman outsold the BMW iX by 344 units during 2025.