Mini published yet another huge teaser gallery of the upcoming third-gen Countryman showing the same camouflaged prototype although this time in a different kind of environment. The automaker took the SUV to the Scottish Highlands in a quest to showcase its off-road credentials during the last stages of development before its official debut.
For the off-roading scenario, Mini chose a prototype of the Countryman featuring the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The automaker didn’t specify the type of powertrain, but the open grille suggests it is a petrol-powered Countryman S. The fully electric Mini Countryman SE ALL4 that appeared in earlier teasers had a covered grille with a different pattern.
More: Mini Unveils New Design Philosophy For Upcoming EV Models
In order to cope with gravel, rocks, and river crossings, the Countryman traded the road-focused rubber of the production-spec model for a new set of Grabber all-terrain tires. Those came with grippy treads and higher profiles, wrapped around black alloy wheels. For nighttime driving off the beaten track, Mini added a roof-mounted LED, at least in this particular test car.
Referencing its British heritage, the BMW-owned firm chose a route from the James Bond: Skyfall film. Mini went as far as suggesting that the Countryman ALL4 on off-road tires is a better choice of vehicle for this particular terrain than the classic Aston Martin DB5 which was driven by 007. Mini also commented on the “spacious boot” of the model that can carry equipment for “extended hikes”. Note that the new Countryman is 13 cm (5 inches) longer compared to its predecessor, stretching to 4,429 mm (174.4 inches).
Mini has yet to announce the specifications of the combustion-powered Countryman range which is expected to mirror those of the BMW X1, minus the plug-in hybrid which will be axed. However, we already know the figures for the two electric variants that will be available at launch. The Countryman E gets a single electric motor producing 188 hp (140 kW / 191 PS), while the Countryman SE ALL4 gets dual electric motors producing a combined 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS), just like in the BMW iX1. In both cases, energy is sourced from a battery pack with a capacity of 64.7 kWh allowing a maximum range figure of 450 km (280 miles).
Production of the third-gen Mini Countryman will commence in November 2023 at BMW Group’s Leipzig plant in Germany where the sibling X1/iX1 is being produced. Notably, this will be the first time a Mini-branded model will be manufactured on German soil.
