On the sidelines of the Munich Motor Show, Mini unveils the new Countryman, a technical cousin of the BMW X1. Taller and thicker than before, the Countryman is no longer a ‘mini’, being six centimeters taller (1.66 metres) and thirteen centimeters longer than its predecessor (4.43 metres).

The design of the new Mini Countryman develops moderately, in general with the same codes that we knew on the previous generation, but with a clearly more modern ensemble. Widened wheel arches give a strong look, while the center pillar, a key element of the car’s aesthetics, can be personalized as desired, harmonizing with one of the four available roof colors.

At the rear, notice the vertically arranged matrix taillights, reminiscent of the styling of some Korean electric SUVs. These few aesthetic changes allowed the engineers to go from Cx 0.31 for the previous generation to 0.26 for news

Two electric versions at launch

Under the hood, the new Mini Countryman relies on electrification in several versions. Countryman E is equipped with an engine 204 hp and 250 Nmwhich allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The SE ALL4 version is offered, technically similar to the iX1 313 hp and a combined torque of 494 Nm. This version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. In terms of autonomy, it is necessary to calculate 462 kilometers for Countryman E a 433 kilometers for Countryman SE ALL4, according to WLTP standards.

Mini hasn’t officially announced the battery capacity, but it’s likely to be similar to the iX1’s capacity 66.45 kWh. As for charging, there’s nothing revolutionary here, as like the iX1, the Countryman can store up to 130kW of charging power, which is enough to go from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes at a fast terminal.

This is reported by the manufacturer thermal and hybrid versions will be available laterwhile the diesel variant will too, regardless of time.

Strict minimalism

Inside, the clean design of the instrument panel and door panels, covered with woven textile surfaces, create a cozy atmosphere. Eight different modes make it easy to customize the cabin, combined with an adaptive user interface and new engine sounds.

The integration of Mini Operating System 9, with a focus on touch and voice control, as well as a central OLED screen with a diameter of 24 cm complete the package. The safe is advertised by volume 460 litersand up to 1450 when the rear seat is folded.

With four trim levels available – Essential, Classic, Favored and JCW – the new Mini Countryman will offer its customers quite a diverse range. It remains to be seen at what price this model will be available. The “smallest” electric version should start at 50,000 euros.

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