New MINI Countryman, Minimalist All-rounder
Bennett Oghifo
Higher, longer, MINI – with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length, the new MINI Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor. With wider wheel arches, characteristic charisma and a modern minimalist design with clearly designed surfaces, the car now has a significantly enhanced presence, said the automaker.
In the interior, the robust MINI adventurer offers even more space, comfort and safety – Even off the beaten track thanks to all-wheel drive. The new MINI Experience Modes and expanded driving assistant systems including the voice-controlled MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant make excursions in the new MINI Countryman even more comfortable and entertaining. The all-electric drivetrain contributes to this too, further enhancing the brand’s hallmark driving fun with two levels of power output. As the first MINI made in Germany, the model also breaks new ground in terms of production.
The 4,433 mm long, 1,843 mm wide and 1,656 mm high
MINI Countryman is both a stylish all-rounder and a spacious everyday companion. Thanks to the wheelbase, which has been increased to 2,692 mm, comfort has been further increased. The all-electric MINI Countryman is available in two performance levels: As a
MINI Countryman E with an output of 150 kW/204 hp and a torque of
250 Nm, it has a range of 462 km. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 with 230 kW/313 hp and 494 Nm has achieved a wide of 433 km.*
In its electrified third generation, the largest model in the new MINI family, continues the brand’s journey into an era of locally emission-free electric mobility. The compact crossover model has been on course for success ever since its market launch in 2010, with five doors and – new for MINI at the time – more than four metres in length. No wonder: after all, the optional all-wheel drive of this powerfully motorised adventurer ensures safe and unbridled driving fun – even off the beaten track.
“With the all-electric MINI Countryman, the largest model in the new MINI vehicle family takes the brand into an era of locally emission-free electric mobility. The first MINI to be manufactured in Germany also offers the highest possible level of environmental compatibility in production. Its versatility and powerful electric drive make it the perfect companion in the city as well as for adventures beyond,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
The new MINI design language: Charismatic Simplicity.
The design of the new MINI model generation is modern, digital and unmistakable. With the new MINI family, the brand takes driving fun, the user experience and a responsible attitude forward into a new era. This comprehensive transformation on the way to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030 is reflected in the authentic design of the new models, combining progressive technology with the elementary principles of the brand’s body design and origins. In doing so, it incorporates the urban character of MINI along with the sheer joy of innovation.
“The new MINI Countryman is our vehicle for the whole family. In its latest generation, it has not only grown in height, length and interior — it has also noticeably improved in character, appearance and experience. It is now even more present, more spacious and more stable. His presence on the front is reflected in the upright proportions and vertical orientation of the design language. Its solid and stable character is also immediately recognizable by the more distinctive radiator grille, distinctive headlights and its very sculptural bonnet,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.
The exterior design: expressive minimalism with character.
With its upright and minimalist silhouette, the new MINI Countryman embodies the adventurous flair, versatility and reliability of a compact crossover vehicle. The car’s expressive off-road character is defined by typical MINI proportions, ensuring the new MINI Countryman has high recognition value. Short overhangs, a short bonnet and the contrasting long wheelbase with large wheels combine classic MINI design features with an athletically grown body.
In addition, the new design of the MINI Countryman embraces improved aerodynamics in order to achieve environmentally friendly consumption figures based on this aspect of the vehicle as well. The result is an impressive cd value of 0.26 for the all-electric MINI Countryman – compared to 0.31 in the predecessor model. As such, the next-generation MINI crossover model achieves a new optimum in comparison with its competitors, embracing clever vehicle design with a minimal footprint.
The modern exterior design is supported by clear-cut surfaces, a slightly curved roof with a seamless transition to the newly designed C-pillar in a trim-specific shape, and the characteristic circumferential Black Band. The distinctive C-pillar element creates a new, highly visible stage for differentiating between different models, equipment options and subsequent editions. The design depends on the selected equipment and thus differentiates between the equipment variants. Graphics and lettering are minimalistic, blend harmoniously with the bas-relief and also match the color of the selected contrasting roof.
Reduction to the essentials results in hallmark MINI design features such as the visual three-part division in vehicle body, a circumferential window area and a contrasting roof having an even greater impact, allowing the new design language to develop a powerful presence.
MINI LED headlights with Signature Modes: striking radiance thanks to individual light modes.
The front end of the all-electric MINI Countryman is defined by the expressive contour of the new octagonal front grille. A particularly small radar sensor is integrated flush into its surface to support the increased functionality of the driver assistant systems.
In the new model generation, the MINI Countryman is the first vehicle with Level 2 assistance systems that enable semi-automated driving. Certain design details in the vehicle front vary depending on the chosen trim level. For example, the Favoured Trim places the spotlight on the new Vibrant Silver accent colour for exterior details.
The daytime running light elements of theLED lights support this striking look with fresh radiance due to unique light signatures. Optionally, the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three light signatures in the front and rear LED lights, thereby reinforcing the distinctive character of each vehicle. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation. This interaction with the vehicle increases the anticipation of the MINI even before you set off.
