- Mini has announced the Countryman EV will be priced from $45,200 in the United States.
- That barely undercuts the Tesla Model Y and the Mini only has 212 miles of range.
- Deliveries are slated to begin in September and you can reserve yours for a $250 refundable deposit.
Mini introduced the Countryman SE ALL4 last year and now the automaker has announced the EV will arrive this fall with a base price of $45,200 before a $995 destination fee. That’s far more than the $33,600 Chevrolet Equinox EV and isn’t much cheaper than the Tesla Model Y Long-Range AWD, which begins at $47,990.
While the model faces an uphill battle, the Countryman is stylish and decently equipped. In particular, buyers will find LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and a power liftgate. They’re joined by roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels.
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An assortment of options will be available including larger 19-inch wheels ($900), privacy glass ($500), and a trailer hitch ($600). While it’s disappointing to see Mini charge for tinted rear glass, at least a two-tone appearance is a no cost option.
Mini didn’t say much about interior equipment or driver assistance systems, but the model comes standard with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, dynamic cruise control, and parking assistant. They’re joined by a 9.4-inch circular display as well as a minimalist design.
Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for a $950 Comfort package that adds keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, and a wireless smartphone charger. There are also Comfort Plus and Comfort Max packs, with the latter adding Active Driving Assistant Pro, Parking Assistant Plus, and augmented reality navigation. Other options include heated front seats and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Power comes from a 66.5 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual motor all-wheel drive system developing 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and 364 lb-ft (494 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.4 seconds and travel up to 212 miles (341 km) on a single charge.
The range leaves a lot to be desired but, when the battery is low, it can go from a 10-80% charge in less than 30 minutes with a 130 kW DC fast charger. With a 9.6 kW Level 2 charger, a completely dead battery can be fully recharged in a little over eight hours.
The Countryman EV will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September and the company is currently accepting reservations for a $250 refundable deposit.
