Item: Mini Countryman Electric
Rating: 3.5

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Like it or loathe it, it’s the norm nowadays for cars to increase dramatically in size between generations, and that’s exactly what’s happened with the Mini Countryman.

It arrives as the largest Mini ever built, but choose its most expensive specification and it’s also the fastest and most powerful, too. But more about that later.

More pertinently, this new generation ushers in the first all-electric Mini Countryman, which has quite a challenge on its hands to stand out in a congested segment in a market seemingly flooded with electric SUVs.

Electric power suits the Mini brand. The upbeat, premium but friendly styling that Mini is aiming for meshes well with the calm and relaxing dynamics and instant zip that battery-powered cars offer.

With its spacious interior, retro design flourishes and infotainment that sits just the right side of cheesy, this family SUV shows great potential as the British brand accelerates its transition.

That gives it considerable appeal – but does it mean you should choose one over many other impressive options on sale in the UK? Let’s find out.

Mini Countryman Electric range at a glance

The Mini Countryman Electric range is nice and straightforward, with two specifications, both fitted with the same 66.5kWh battery with a 64.6kWh usable capacity.

The entry-level Countryman E has a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 201bhp, hitting 0-62mph in 8.6sec. The range stands at 286 miles.

The Countryman SE All4 adds a second motor for all-wheel drive and a combined 308bhp. That’s impressive power, meaning it can travel from 0-62mph in 5.6sec – though you do lose some range, which drops to 266 miles.

VERSION	POWER
Mini Countryman E	201bhp
Mini Countryman SE All4	308bhp

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating: 7

Mini Countryman Electric

Pleasant interior and sense of fun help to overcome unremarkable performance and range

Good

Well-resolved, bright and spacious interior

Modern design infused with retro Mini cues

Has a bit of 'go kart' pep to driving dynamics

Bad

Lacks the range and efficiency of some rivals

It's very definitely not mini

Cheaper electric SUVs are available

DESIGN & STYLING

Pros

Multi-powertrain platform gives flexibility to buyers

Large size means plenty of space inside

Cons

Battery and range are smaller than in many rivals

Some compromise inherent from multi-powertrain platform

This Countryman is the first of a new family of electric Mini models.

But while the others that will arrive soon – the Cooper E three-door hatchback and Aceman crossover – will use a bespoke EV platform, the third-generation Countryman is based on a multi-powertrain architecture.

We have already sampled the combustion-engined Countryman in top-spec John Cooper Works performance form.

The Countryman shares the BMW Group's UKL platform with the new BMW X2 and iX2, along with the X1 and iX1 – and the electric versions of those models also share the same motors and battery as the Mini.

Regardless of whether it's the petrol or electric version, the first thing that strikes you about this new third-generation Countryman is how big it is.

It's the largest Mini ever, in fact, having grown substantially from the previous-generation model. Before you could just about call it an enlarged hatch – now it's definitely a full-on crossover.

Styling-wise, the electric version gives only a few clues about the nature of its powertrain, with a revamped front grille and subtle badging. It definitely has a presence on the road, fusing modern SUV design trends with Mini's signature design elements.

INTERIOR

Pros

Bright, spacious feeling to interior

Clever design means plenty of storage and space

Material quality feels high and fresh

Round touchscreen is a real statement

Cons

Heavy reliance on touchscreen won't be to all tastes

Touchscreen was occasionally glitchy on our test car

Infotainment has a lot going on, and it can be distracting

The Countryman has a genuinely well-resolved interior, which could prove to be a standout feature against the growing ranks of similarly sized electric SUVs. The Exclusive-trim test car we drove was bright and spacious, with a minimalist design complemented by retro flourishes.

Mini's designers have used the extra space the platform offers to good effect, so both front and rear occupants will find decent leg room and won't feel hemmed in.

The feeling of space is accentuated by excellent use of materials, many of which are partly recycled or recyclable. The fabric that covers the dashboard felt warming and inviting, and nicer than the ‘sporty’ touches of Sport trim, as we saw on the John Cooper Works.

As with the John Cooper Works model, the bulk of the controls are operated through a round OLED touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.

The optional head-up display is also a very good choice, given that all of the information usually seen behind the steering wheel has been shifted to the top of the touchscreen.

The infotainment system offers eight ‘Experiences’, selected via a pleasingly tactile toggle beneath the touchscreen (there are also retro-styled physical controls for the gear selector, start/stop button and volume control), that all have an introductory sound and adjust the look and layout of the screen.

There are other changes from the ICE version, too. Pick Timeless mode and not only will your touchscreen become a recreation of an original 1959 Mini speedo but also the motor noise will take on a subtle new tone reminiscent of a four-cylinder petrol engine.

Again, it's a bit of a gimmick and won't be to everybody's tastes, but it’s understated enough to be just the right side of cheesy.

As in the JCW, we encountered the odd infotainment glitch, and how much you enjoy any Countryman might depend on how touchscreen-tolerant you are.

It's also a bit distracting on occasion. There always seems to be something moving - especially when you change drive modes, with the eco 'Green mode' featuring a lot of moving icons that catch your eye.

If you want to move away from the minimalist interior, the Sport trim level adds some Cooper S-inspired touches to the dashboard in Mini's classic Chili Red.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

Pros

Instant zip of electric car notable in dual-motor SE All4

Hands its weight well, with effortless acceleration

Cons

Range can't match some rivals

Charging speed is behind the class best

Like the closely related BMW iX2, the electric Countryman is offered in two forms.

The entry-level Countryman E will use a single front-mounted motor that drives the front wheels, while the SE All4 tested here features a motor on each axle for a combined 308bhp.

Both versions use a 64.6kWh battery, which gives official ranges of 286 miles for the E and 266 miles for the SE All4.

That means the dual-motor model can go three miles further between charges than the similar iX2, although you will find plenty of rivals with even more range. You will find plenty that can charge faster than 130kW, too.

Drive an electric Countryman back to back with a petrol one and you will notice the extra weight (about 300kg in the E and 450kg in the SE All4), although the stronger punch of the dual-motor powertrain largely compensates.

Progress is effortless, smooth and quiet, and while it is somewhat lacking in character, that's an issue common to most electric powertrains.

RIDE & HANDLING

Pros

Genuine Mini 'go kart' pep to driving dynamics

Soaks up bumps well and has a good feel

Cons

We'd like more ability to take control of regen pedals

Can be a touch stiff on bumpier surfaces

The extra weight of the electric Countryman doesn't affect the ride much, even on the optional 20in wheels fitted to our test car.

Mini’s eternal quest for “go-kart handling” means that the ride can be a bit stiff, but it’s certainly more pliant on bumpy roads than the John Cooper Works petrol version.

At speed, the steering isn’t as sharp as in the JCW, and nor is the handling quite as tight. Still, it strikes a nice balance for an SUV of this size and has an edge over the iX2.

It certainly has the ability to put a smile on your face, then, but ultimately it’s still an electric SUV, so owners are unlikely to spend their days trying to recreate Rauno Aaltonen’s rallying exploits.

The regenerative braking can be set to effectively offer one-pedal driving or you can pick a mode that automatically adjusts its strength depending on conditions ahead.

As in the iX2, you won’t find paddles to manually control the regen, and nor will you find that car’s gimmicky boost paddle.

Three of the Experiences – Go Kart, Core and Green – also adjust the driving mode settings, variously firming or lightening the steering and the optional adaptive suspension and adjusting the motors’ delivery.

Green mode is the equivalent of Eco, with the addition of an animal image on the screen to represent how efficient you’re being. A hummingbird is efficient, for whatever reason.

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

Pros

Economy on first drive creditably close to official figure

You get a lot of Mini for your money

Cons

A bit pricey compared with some rivals

The single-motor E is cheaper and offers more range

The Countryman offers a mixed experience when it comes to running costs.

The car starts from just over £42,000 - cheaper than an entry-level Skoda Enyaq 85. That said, the SE All4 pushes the starting price up to £47,180.

While those basic prices look attractive, there are three trim levels of Classic, Exclusive and Sport to choose from, potentially raising the price still further.

You are likely to pay more with optional extras, too. There are three option packs to choose from – Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 – which add varying degrees of technology.

Level 1 starts at £2500 and comes with adaptive LED headlights, comfort access, heated front seats, a head-up display and wireless phone charging. Level 2 adds an excellent Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof and sun protection glass, at £5000.

The all-singing, all-dancing Level 3, priced at £7800, adds 22kW high-speed charging, active front seats with electric memory function, an interior camera, sat-nav and parking assistance.

For context on how high the price can rise, our SE All4 test car, in Sport trim and with the Level 3 equipment pack, came in at over £56,000.

The Countryman E achieved an average economy of 3.4mpkWh – creditably close to the official figure of 3.6mpkWh – on a mixed route that included highways, mountains and urban streets.

In the UK, on our drive the car returned a much less impressive 3.0mpkWh – equivalent to around 222 miles of real-world range.

Worthy of that hummingbird on the Eco display, we reckon, but still, another Top Trump stat that’s beaten by other EVs on the market today.

It makes us wonder whether the single-motor E, which costs some £5000 less and offers 20 miles' more range, might be the better buy.

VERDICT

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating: 7

Mini Countryman Electric

Pleasant interior and sense of fun help to overcome unremarkable performance and range

Good

Well-resolved, bright and spacious interior

Modern design infused with retro Mini cues

Has a bit of 'go kart' pep to driving dynamics

Bad

Lacks the range and efficiency of some rivals

It's very definitely not mini

Cheaper electric SUVs are available

When it comes to pure statistics, the Countryman SE All4 can't quite match the top cars in its class.

But statistics don't count for everything, and raw data doesn’t really capture how pleasant the SE All4 is to spend time in and drive.

It’s relaxing, fun and, yes, just the right side of cheesy. Overall, it's a good electric SUV that offers big performance (in SE All4 guise), spirited handling and a classy, robust interior with bags of character.

It's an immensely likeable, well-resolved electric SUV that captures the spirit of the Mini brand and is both pleasant to drive and spend time in.

A bit of charm can get you a long way - just be mindful that rivals offer longer ranges at more affordable prices.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Model tested:

Mini Countryman SE All4 Exclusive

Price:

£49,680

Engine:

Two synchronous motors

Transmission:

1-spd reduction gear, 4WD

Model tested

Mini Countryman SE All4 Exclusive

Price

£49,680

Engine

Two synchronous motors

View all specs and rivals

Transmission

1-spd reduction gear, 4WD

Power

308bhp

Torque

364lb ft

0-62mph - claimed

5.6sec

Top speed (claimed)

111mph

Kerb weight

2000kg

Battery size

66.5/64.6kWh (total/usable)

Range

266 miles

Energy efficiency

3.7mpkWh

CO2

0g/km

BIK tax band

Rivals BMW iX1 Volvo EX30 Kia Niro EV

Power

308bhp

Torque

364lb ft

0-62mph - claimed

5.6sec

Top speed (claimed)

111mph

Kerb weight

2000kg

Battery size

66.5/64.6kWh (total/usable)

Range

266 miles

Energy efficiency

3.7mpkWh

CO2

0g/km

BIK tax band

Rivals BMW iX1 Volvo EX30 Kia Niro EV

James Attwood

Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets.