Unveiled today at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich, the MINI Countryman is offered for the first time with choice of a fully electric or combustion powertrain. Now in it’s third generation, the largest member of the MINI family has grown in stature, gaining six centimetres in height and 13 centimetres in length. The first all-electric MINI Countryman marks a pivotal step on MINI’s journey towards becoming an all-electric brand.
“With the all-electric MINI Countryman, the largest model in the new MINI vehicle family takes the brand into an era of locally emission-free electric mobility. The first MINI to be manufactured in Germany also offers the highest possible level of environmental compatibility in production. Its versatility and powerful electric drive make it the perfect companion in the city as well as for adventures beyond,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
“The new MINI Countryman is our vehicle for the whole family. In its latest generation, it has not only grown in height, length and interior — it has also noticeably improved in character, appearance and experience. It is now even more present, more spacious and more stable. His presence on the front is reflected in the upright proportions and vertical orientation of the design language. Its solid and stable character is also immediately recognizable by the more distinctive radiator grille, distinctive headlights and its very sculptural bonnet,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.
The all-electric MINI Countryman is offered in two performance levels – E and SE ALL4 with, the combustion powered Countryman available in three levels – C, S ALL4 and JCW ALL4 model. Customers in the UK have the choice of three highly specified trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport.
Now in its third generation, the new MINI Countryman offers the versatility of a compact crossover while maintaining iconic MINI proportions: short overhangs, a short bonnet, and a contrasting long wheelbase, while larger wheels, wider wheel arches and the removal of chrome details add to the vehicles road presence. This contemporary exterior design is supported by clear-cut surfaces, a slightly curved roof, and a newly designed C-pillar, making the vehicle appear shorter.
The models front end is characterised by a new octagonal grille with a small radar sensor integrated into its surface to enable Level 2 semi-automated driving – a first for the MINI brand. Newly designed headlights are offered with three unique light signatures for the first time, and the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three adjustable light signatures. At the rear, vertical light clusters reminiscent of classic Mini design can be switched to different modes in the same way as the front headlights. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation.
The new MINI Countryman is available in three different trims; Classic, Exclusive and Sport. The Classic trim presents the logo in new colour Vibrant Silver, and a range of three external paint finishes (Melting Silver, Midnight Black and Nanuq White), two roof colour options and three wheel options, giving customers maximum flexibility.
The Exclusive trim adds additional exterior design elements, such as the option for a Multitone Roof with a combination of six different colours, as well as offering the front grille in Vibrant Silver to match the MINI logo.
Finally, the Sport trim offers a distinctive front and rear design including redesigned front bumper, rear bumper, side skirt and spoiler while using high-gloss black as the frame for the front grille and logo colour. Combined with a contrasting Chili Red roof and red/black bonnet stripes available optionally, there is no doubt the Sport trim has been inspired by its motorsport history.
Moving inside, the interior of the vehicle echoes the minimalist design of the classic Mini, using just the round instrument cluster in the centre and the infamous toggle bar below. In the new MINI Countryman, it is precisely these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that are the focus of the interior cabin.
The curved dashboard features a textile surface for the first time, where a specially developed knitting process has been used to create a versatile, easy-care textile in a two-colour design, made entirely of recycled polyester. Unique to the Countryman, design elements such as the air vents and door handles are vertically aligned. Behind the steering wheel, the optional head-up display ensures that all the relevant content appears in the driver’s field of vision.
Clear shapes in the cockpit and the increased space in the front seats give the interior a modern, spacious feel, while an optional panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light. The driver and front passenger can enjoy significantly enhanced comfort with almost three centimetres of additional width in the shoulder and elbow area, while rear passengers benefit from 2.5 centimetres of extra space. Between the front seats, a wide, adjustable armrest enhances seating comfort and optionally, customers can select electrically adjustable seats with memory and massage functions.
Underneath the dashboard, the newly designed toggle bar houses the most important driving functions: parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle and volume control. Without the need for a gearstick, the new MINI Countryman offers more storage space in the centre console, with larger cup holders and an open storage compartment, alongside a wireless charging area. For those choosing the Exclusive trim, a knitted surface and a textile strap comes as standard.
For customers choosing a combustion powertrain, the rear of the vehicle offers a versatile space where optionally, the rear row of seats is adjustable by up to 13 centimetres – providing either increased legroom or additional boot space. Seat backrests are also individually adjustable in six positions by up to 12 degrees. With the rear seats folded flat, boot space increases from 460-litres to a sizeable 1,450-litres. An additional floor compartment provides a convenient space for charging accessories for the all-electric model.
The new MINI Countryman is priced from £28,500 RRP, with first deliveries taking place in February 2024.
