Defender looks popular: the new Mini Countryman

Not all electric cars drive smoothly and emotionlessly in the wind tunnel. The Mini Countryman SE is proof of this.

The third generation Mini Countryman is available with a fully electric powertrain for the first time. Or actually two variants. The most practical Mini shares technology with the BMW iX1 and iX2 and is available as a front-wheel drive E with 204 hp and a base price of 43,490 euros. This means that it is well within the limits of SEPP funding, which means that if purchased privately, 2,950 euros will be deducted from this price. Mini then supplies a 64.7 kWh battery, which means a range of around 450 kilometers.

Groundbreaking

The desire for more performance in the Mini Countryman is fulfilled by ordering the SE, which costs 49,490 euros. A 190 hp motor is installed on each axle, making the total output 313 hp and 494 Nm. The SE is the most powerful Countryman and achieves a WLTP range of 432 kilometers with the same 64.7 kWh battery. Charging is possible on the AC pole with a maximum of 22 kW and on the fast charger with 130 kW. Not groundbreaking.

Countryman is a mini defender

The Mini Countryman has to compete with the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #3. Electric crossovers that a human designer put real effort into, instead of all those wind tunnel-created electric zombies. That sounds a bit rude, but you get the point. Especially if the Countryman is properly decorated. There is also a strikingly fresh but recognizable appearance, which is somewhat reminiscent of a Land Rover Defender thanks to the recess in the rear side window.

No sliding back seat

The Mini Countryman is also significantly larger and more spacious than before. Since the battery is partially housed under the rear seat, there is no room for a sliding second row of seats like those found on the other Countrymans. This doesn’t have to be a problem because there’s enough legroom for adults and more than enough clearance from the headliner. At the front there are seats with a slightly short seat for taller drivers, but enough support for the upper body.