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Finally, something is happening again at Mini: After a long dry spell with no new products, the entire model range is now being revolutionized. In the future, Mini will be based mainly on three series: the core model Cooper (with internal combustion engine or fully electric), the new Aceman and the large Countryman as the top model.
Before we even get inside we notice that the biggest Mini has grown again. The Countryman’s length has increased by 13 centimeters to an impressive 4.43 metres. He also rose 6 centimeters to 1.66 metres. Now there’s nothing really mini about this Mini. When it comes to driving, customers can choose between the 300 hp two-litre Countryman John Cooper Works JCW petrol engine or fully electric drive, priced from 59,600 francs. Many people will probably opt for the slightly cheaper electric version; This model has two versions: Countryman E with 204 hp (150 kW) starting from 49,200 francs and Countryman SE All 4 with 313 hp (230 kW) starting from 52,800 francs. .
Same technology as BMW iX2
We drive the top electric model, the Countryman SE All 4, with the same drive system as the BMW iX2 xDrive30 (from 62,100 Fr.), an electric motor on the front and rear axles and a maximum torque of almost 500 Nm. Of course, this is enough power for driving pleasure behind the wheel. This is combined with tight coordination and precise feedback from the road and direct steering. The electric athlete, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, does not need to hide from the upper combustion engine JCW, which is only 0.2 seconds faster.
Only: What we criticize about the new BMW iX2 also applies to the technically related Countryman SE All4. According to Mini, the 66 kWh battery pack is sufficient for a maximum distance of 433 WLTP kilometers. In daily life and in winter it should not be 350 kilometers, in our opinion it is too little for a vehicle of this size and price range. Also, the biggest mini electric car at 130 kWh doesn’t really shine when it comes to charging speed.
Overloaded central display
The interior of the Maxi-Mini is uncluttered and simple, as is typical of the brand. The seats are comfortable, the rear seat, which can be moved 13 centimeters longitudinally, is practical and there is enough space for at least four people. High-quality fabric elements on the instrument panel and doors are new. Unfortunately, there are no clear screens behind the easy-to-grip steering wheel. In typical mini-retro fashion, there’s only the razor-sharp but rather confusing central display in the middle of the front panel. The pan-sized screen is completely packed with information. In addition to speedometer, engine speed, tank volume and driving programs, seat heating, air conditioning or entertainment and navigation can also be found in various display modes.
We might be able to grasp this explosion of visual ideas a little better if we hadn’t all but given up on traditional switches and buttons, or at least had a sensible head-up display. But instead, the driver’s field of view is only a cheap-looking plexiglass window containing some basic information. We dream of something different when it comes to premium and lifestyle.
But Stefanie Wurst (55), head of the Mini brand, was impressed by the new all-electric Countryman as well as the sporty petrol engine John Cooper Works. And he’s not wrong when he says “the new Countryman is the perfect companion for anyone looking for something special.” Also make the necessary change.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
