Comparing Two Germans in Disguise: Mini Cooper S Countryman vs. Infiniti QX30 Mashup [Video]

In today’s video, we pitch a BMW and Mercedes head-to-head in a charge for glory.

Okay, so clearly each car we have here isn’t a BMW or a Mercedes. Or are they? The two cars we actually have for you in today’s TFLnow video are the Mini Cooper S Countryman and the Infiniti QX30. One brand has British bloodlines, and the other Japanese. But both these cars share more familiar lineage than you might imagine: they both house German hearts. Now, it’s common knowledge that BMW owns the MINI brand. BMW parts abound under the Countryman’s engine bay, so no big surprises there. However, what you may be surprised to learn is what’s under the hood of the Infiniti QX30. Its turbocharged, four-cylinder engine comes courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, with which Infiniti has partnered to reduce development costs for the QX30.

With each contender sporting a German heart, how do the Mini Cooper Countryman and Infiniti QX30 square off in a drag race? Check out the video above to find out!

Mini Cooper S Countryman
The Mini Cooper S Countryman and the Infiniti QX30 both have a German heart – the former from BMW, and the latter from Mercedes-Benz. [Photo: TFLcar]

The Not-so-Mini: Mini Cooper S Countryman

The Mini Cooper S Countryman is the more bona fide German in this comparison. The brand has been under BMW’s wing since 2000, and the brand has expanded from the New Mini hatchback to other varients, including the Countryman. Under its hood is a BMW-sourced 2.0-liter engine making 189 horsepower and 209 lbs-ft. of torque. That power makes it to the ground through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. The Mini Cooper S Countryman is also $8,000 cheaper than the QX30, sliding in at $38,450.00 MSRP as tested in this mashup comparison.

A [Rose] Golden Crossover: Infiniti QX30

The Infiniti QX30, on the other hand, has a more unusual heritage. This crossover is actually based on a Mercedes-Benz GLA, and developed in a partnership with Mercedes to keep development costs down. This particular QX30 also comes in a distinctive color, which may appeal to some buyers. The engine, transmission, and interior elements are all shared between the two cars. Despite the cost-saving measures, the QX30 still rings in at $46,460.00 MSRP as tested – quite a premium over the Mini. Still, it has nearly 20 more horsepower and a whopping 49 lbs.-ft. torque advantage, so maybe it will be faster in this Teutonic drag race?

The result

Sadly, not. While the QX30 may come out ahead on paper, the Mini finished comfortably ahead of the Infiniti. Why did that happen? After all, the QX30 is lighter and more powerful than the Countryman. The Infiniti seemed to have issues with its transmission engaging and turbo lag off the line. Meanwhile, the Mini romped off to an early lead and held it until the end.

What do you think of the results? Let us know in the comments below! Also, be sure to subscribe to TFLnow and The Fast Lane Car on YouTube. Check back to those channels and TFLcar.com for more news, views, and reviews!