New MINI Countryman gains more space and all-electric powertrains
For the first time, MINI’s SUV will be available as an EV with up to 287 miles of range
Mini has unveiled the new Countryman, the largest and most luxurious model in its range. The new car is based on the same platform as the BMW X1, and is available in petrol, diesel and all electric powertrains.
Two fully electric versions are on offer: the MINI Countryman Electric E to the Countryman Electric SE. Both vehicles are equipped with a 64.7kWh battery that supplies power to a single electric motor in the Electric E, delivering 201bhp and 250Nm of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 8.6 seconds, the base-model Countryman EV boasts a range of up to 287 miles on a full charge, as per MINI's specifications.
In contrast, the Countryman Electric SE models feature a dual electric motor setup, generating 308bhp and 494Nm of torque, resulting in a spirited 0-62mph sprint in just 5.6 seconds. However, due to the increased power output, MINI notes that the maximum range slightly decreases to 269 miles.
Notably, with DC charging capabilities at 130kW, both can recharge their batteries from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.
For the petrol engine offerings, MINI includes the MINI Countryman C in its lineup. Although the exact powerplant propelling this model has not been officially disclosed by the brand, it has been verified to generate 167bhp and 280Nm of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.3 seconds and an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 46.3mpg.
Leading the way in the petrol-powered lineup is the Countryman JCW ALL4, delivering 296bhp and a400Nm of torque - enough to launch the car from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds.
Inside the new Countryman is the same 9.4-inch central OLED display that features in its three-door hatchback counterpart. Known as the MINI Interaction Unit, it operates on the identical Operating System 9 software, which is built upon Android open-source technology
It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 3D head-up display can be selected from the options list. Customisable ambient lighting however comes as standard.
In terms of dimensions it is 13cm longer and 6cm taller, with a longer wheelbase relative to its overall length. Consequently, MINI claims a generous 460 litres of boot space with the rear seats in their upright position, which expands to a capacious 1,450 litres when the seats are folded down. Additionally, there's dedicated storage space beneath the car's boot floor for stowing the charging cables of the electric models.
The Countryman Electric E and Electric SE models are available from £41,500 and £46,600, respectively, while the base Countryman C will starts from £28,500.
The Countryman S is priced at £33,900, while the high-performance JCW variant starts from £39,900.
Customers can expect the first deliveries to commence in February 2024.