MINI has given the Countryman a striking new look as it moves into the electric era. The not-so-mini MINI stands at 1.6 metres tall, an increase of 60 millimetres over its predecessor. At 4.4 metres in length and 1.8 metres wide, it has more visual presence than before.
Reduced front and rear overhangs make the wheels appear to be pushed out to each corner. MINI's designers have also increased the wheelbase, simultaneously altering the Countryman's proportions and boosting passenger space. MINI's signature circular headlights give way to a more angular look previewed by the Aceman concept. They're no longer framed by chrome elements, either, as MINI has stopped using chrome on environmental grounds.
A shorter bonnet and gently sloping roofline contribute to aerodynamic gains, enabling the big MINI to cut through the air more cleanly than before, benefiting efficiency. The C-pillar design incorporates a trim panel that differentiates the car from other MINI models and will be used to signify different variants of the Countryman.
New range of sustainable interior materials
Inside, the Countryman has a more homely feel with a knit cover on the dashboard and doors made from recycled polyester. This material contrasts with the synthetic leather upholstery, available in grey and black with a perforated houndstooth pattern. Vertical vents are placed at points across the dashboard, emphasising its upright look. Recycled polyester is also used inside the doors and in the floor mats.
The JCW (John Cooper Works) trim adds a sportier look to the cabin, with sports seats providing more lateral support covered in multi-coloured knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching. A chunky steering wheel comes from the BMW side of the family, with the two-spoke design gaining a fabric strap at the bottom to set it apart.
Circular OLED display
Matching the new MINI Hatch, the Countryman gets a circular OLED display in the middle of the dashboard that is a centrepiece of the cabin while the MINI Operating System 9 adds more voice control and personalisation. That extends to the system's graphics that change according to the chosen mode. MINI owners can even upload and set their favourite photos as the home screen background.
Beneath the display is a fresh take on the toggle bar, featuring five chunky controls for the most commonly used items, including drive selection, start/stop and stereo volume. The setup means there is no longer any requirement for a traditional gear selector, freeing up more cabin space.
Adding further practicality to the Countryman is an adjustable rear seat bench. Capable of sliding forward or back over 130 millimetres, it can provide either more legroom for passengers in the rear or increased boot volume. Furthermore, the backrests of the three rear seats can each be adjusted in six positions covering 12 degrees. The boot volume is 460 litres and can expand to 1,450 litres when the rear seats are folded. An optional electrically retractable towing hitch is rated to pull up to 1,200kg.
Electric MINI Countryman specs
The fully electric MINI Countryman E uses a 204hp motor producing up to 250Nm. Acceleration is brisk, taking 8.6 seconds to hit 100km/h from rest before reaching a top speed of 170km/h. The dual-motor Countryman SE ALL4 generates up to 313hp and 494Nm, with from 0-100km/h taking just 5.6 seconds. The official electric range for the Countryman E is 462 kilometres and the Countryman SE ALL4 manages 433 kilometres.
Charging the Countryman's battery shouldn't take too long, thanks to 22kW AC and 130kW DC maximum charging rates. The latter means that a 10 to 80 per cent recharge can be done in under 30 minutes in ideal circumstances. Achieving that is helped by a linked navigation system that can optimise the battery temperature when it is navigating to a fast-charging station.
For those not yet ready to go electric, MINI will continue to offer the Countryman with petrol engines, including a 170hp Countryman C with front-wheel drive and two all-wheel-drive 'All4' versions - the 218hp Countryman S and the 300hp Countryman JCW.
Irish pricing for the new MINI Countryman Electric starts at €49,175 on the road, rising to €55,255 for the SE All4 model. Those are for the Classic trim level. Exclusive and Sport versions are more expensive again. Prices for the petrol models have yet to be confirmed. The new SUV is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 for the "241" registration plate.