The new MINI Countryman is the third generation of the BMW-owned brand’s SUV, and in many ways a model in transition as it is now the only MINI you can buy with a choice of petrol or electric powertrain. The petrol versions started arriving in February 2024 and we are now driving the new arrival with electric power.

BMW personnel already see the Countryman as the most fleet-friendly option in the MINI line-up and believe that its latest improved form, including significant advances in the electric powertrain, will increase its appeal among business customers – though it also believes the latest Cooper Electric and the forthcoming smaller SUV variant the Aceman will find a respectable fleet audience.

Readers may first be slightly surprised to learn that the new Countryman is larger than its predecessor – the model has long been held up as the epitome of how today’s cars are so expanded over their inspiration. In truth you could probably smother the classic 1960s Mini in the Countryman’s proportions that have grown by a significant 13cm in length and six centimetres in height – it’s actually larger than the ‘original SUV’, the Nissan Qashqai. This does, however, address a criticism levelled at the BMW-era MINIs since they first appeared in 2001 in terms of interior space.

Business Motoring recently tested the new MINI Cooper Electric and unsurprisingly the Countryman follows its smaller sibling closely in visual appearance both outside and in. It differs markedly in its powertrain, however, as it is available in both front and all-wheel-drive formats.

Power goes up, to 204hp in the single-motor E model and 313hp in the twin-motor SE, providing the two with respective 0-62mph times of 8.6 and 5.6 seconds. But thanks to new batteries the range between charges goes up too, to a WLTP-certified 287 miles in the E and 269 miles in the SE.

Charging is also simpler – the two options are 22 kW AC charging and 130 kW DC charging which allows replenishment from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes at a suitable fast-charger – note, however that a mode 2 lead with a three-pin plug for home charging without a callbox is a cost extra.

The car’s navigation can assist in ensuring the battery is at the best temperature for efficient charging before one arrives at a public charger, cutting charging times while with the MINI app drivers can set charging times and other factors, even time the air conditioning to come on at journey departure time. 

Visually the Countryman adopts the same more minimalist look of its smaller Cooper sister though it has more visible front grille than the smaller car. Perhaps emphasising its SUV status it also foregoes other classic Mini signatures, such as the circular headlamps.

A classic signature dominates the interior, however, the huge circular dial in the centre of the front, and which now looks bigger than ever. It’s actually 240mm in diameter and an OLEV touchscreen which has had most of the functions previously carried out by buttons transferred to it – there are now far fewer actual switches around the driver’s environment.

MINI upgrades have seen a major move forward in electronics operating systems, always essential in computers, now ever more so in cars. Apparently the MINI system has jumped from ‘5’ to ‘9’, bringing more efficiency but also some curious extras.

Chief among these extras are the ‘Experiences’ you can set in your MINI. There are six, selected by a switch on the corner of the screen and enabling one to set the interior ambient lighting and screen graphics virtually to suit one’s mood – from relaxing to ‘vibrant’ and the highly sporty ‘go-kart’. They also affect the sounds the car makes under acceleration – especially in the sportier modes these audio notes are much closer to what one might hear in a Star Wars movie than standing alongside a typical petrol-engined car.

Other electronic upgrades include a voice-activated personal assistant, digital key (the first in the model) and on all but base trim levels ‘augmented reality navigation’ that when exiting junctions overlays a photo image on the navigation screen with direction markers. There is also the ability to take pictures of the car’s occupants and while this may seem trivial it does also fulfil a useful security function, able to capture evidence if the car is broken into.

MINI has focused on upping the use of more sustainable materials in the car and the knitted-design finish on the surfacing is distinctive. Finally more basic needs are addressed – the increase in dimensions does free up a level of interior room one might expect in a small SUV, previously not a MINI strong point. Boot space ranges from 460 to 1450 litres with the rear seats dropped.

Safety is generally well looked after with a full specification of ADAS driver aids, though while all the essentials come as standard there are a couple of desirables only on offer as options. Notably a proper Active Cruise Control only comes as part of the ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ system, which among its other features includes a facility for semi-autonomous driving at speeds up to 37mph. It’s part of the Level 2 options pack which adds an extra £5000 to the price.

Both versions of the Countryman Electric are available in three trim levels, dubbed Classic, Exclusive and Sport, increasing in price by around £2500 and £1200 respectively, and then one can add a choice of two options packs on top.