The third generation of the Mini Countryman is getting ready for its big debut, and the company just dropped the first details about the all-electric versions of its new SUV. Mini also confirmed that the plug-in hybrid option will be axed from the range in favor of the EV which will be sold alongside petrol-powered variants.
The new Countryman will come in two fully electric versions – the Countryman E and the Countryman SE ALL4. The Countryman E will feature a single electric motor producing 188 hp (140 kW / 191 PS), while the Countryman SE ALL4 will sport dual electric motors spinning all 4 wheels and producing a combined 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) including a temporary boost.
In both cases power will be provided from a 64.7 kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 450 km (280 miles). This number is very close to the 438 km (272 miles) WLTP range of the mechanically-related BMW iX1 xDrive30 which has an identical power output from its dual-motor setup. The automaker didn’t mention anything about the petrol-powered Countrymans but we expect them to mirror the specs of the BMW X1, including a spicier S variant to join alongside the fully electric SE.
Read: 2024 MINI Lineup Sees Sizable Price Cuts And More Manuals
Mini also releases a new photo set from the development of the new Countryman, which now features a new camouflage wrap. The new SUV has grown in size and features more angular lighting units. We can also see the new cast light-alloy wheels which, according to Mini, are made from up to 70% secondary aluminum for a lower environmental footprint alongside the demise of any decorative elements from both the exterior and the interior.
The automaker revealed that the third-gen Countryman measures 4,429 mm (174.4 inches) long, around 13 cm (5 inches) longer than the outgoing model. The height of 1,613 mm (63.5 inches) has also been extended by 6 cm (2.4 inches), benefiting headroom.
Besides offering a more spacious cabin for five passengers and their luggage, the new Countryman will also make use of sustainable materials. The dashboard, steering wheel, headliner, floor, and floor mats are made from a “colorful” recycled polyester from PET bottles and carpet remnants, contributing to lower CO2 emissions by up to 85%.
As revealed from earlier spy shots, the interior of the Countryman will be dominated by a large circular infotainment screen mounted high on the center console. Like in all of the next-generation Mini models, it will be combined with a smaller-than-usual digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Thankfully the company kept some physical buttons and toggle switches although they will be fewer than in the current model.
Starting from November 2023 and following an €800 million ($875 million) investment, the next-gen MINI Countryman will be produced at BMW Group’s Leipzig plant alongside the BMW iX1. Notably, this is the first time a MINI will be manufactured in Germany.
