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Revealed alongside the new Mini Cooper Electric is the all-new, third-generation Countryman.
Highlights of the largest member of the Mini family are a choice of fully electric or combustion powertrains and increased space.
Outside, like the Mini Cooper Electric, the Countryman gets its own distinct new look, still following the new 'Charismatic Simplicity' Mini design language. At the front, like the Mini Cooper Electric, the Countryman gets its own version of the octagonal front grille, sculpted bonnet, and distinctive headlights. At the side, this Mini has more upright proportions, with wider, sculpted arches, the unusual C-pillar design and slightly curved roof.
Inside, the Countryman follows the Cooper Electric's minimalistic look. The curved, two-colour design features vertical air vents that are aligned with the door handles. However, the dashboard is dominated by the central OLED display. It has a diameter of 240mm, works with Mini Operating System 9, meaning that all vehicle functions can be operated with either touch or voice control - with the display moved closer to the driver for easy reach.
The upper half of the screen displays vehicle-related information such as speed and battery status - but can be made full screen at a touch of the screen. The lower area is dedicated to navigation, media, phone, and climate.
At the centre of the screen is the start menu, where personalised content can be selected and launched by swiping the side. However, swiping up the lower edge of the screen reveals a tool belt where favourite functions can be stored and called up quickly. Like BMW before it, Mini will now be offering customers the opportunity to purchase additional functions, via the Mini Connected store.
Elsewhere, there's a brand new three-spoke steering wheel, with a textile strap in the six o'clock position. Plus, more knitted surfaces across the door panels and a newly designed toggle bar, that houses the all-important driving functions and multiple driving modes.
Move to the back of the new Countryman, and there's an additional 2.5 centimetres of extra space thanks to its growth in length, with boot space also increasing to 460 litres, extended to 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded.
Mini claims the three newly designed Classic, Exclusive and Sport equipment grades will offer the ultimate choice in interior personalisation.
On the move, in addition to Automatic Active Cruise Control, the new Countryman supports lateral guidance with Steering and Lane Assistant, available as part of an optional Driving Assistant Plus Package. It also includes a new function to help drivers take the right exit based on semi-automated level 2 driving. It works via the vehicle sensors and other assistance systems, which detects gaps in the traffic necessary for the lane change before the exit, while ensuring it is at the correct speed. The new Countryman is also capable of semi-automated driving at speeds up to 37mph.
The biggest news, apart from the new look and features, is the first all-electric model, available in E and SE ALL4 versions. The 'E' has a 64.7kWh battery giving up to 287 miles of range, and a 204hp motor, which generates 250Nm of torque and accelerates to 62mph in 8.6 seconds. As the name suggests, ALL4 versions add another motor, equalling four-wheel drive. Power jumps to 313hp, with 494Nm of torque, and acceleration to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds, plus 269 miles of range.
The all-electric Mini Countryman can be charged two ways, either by 22kW AC charging, or 130kW DC charging - equalling a 10 to 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
The first Mini Countryman deliveries will take place in February 2024, with prices starting from £28,500 for the ICE powered Countryman C, and rising as high as £46,600 for the Mini Countryman Electric SE ALL4.
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