The first all-electric MINI Countryman features a completely new powertrain and is available in two variants: Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4 with an increased power output, two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
The Countryman E hosts a high-voltage battery with 64.7 kWh capacity, which provides up to 287 miles (462km) of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle.
A 150 kW/204 hp electric motor generates a torque of 250 Nm, propelling the vehicle from 0 - 62mph in 8.6 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 105mph.
With an output of 230 kW/313 hp, the electric motor in the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 achieve a combined torque of 494 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from 0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 111mph.
Equipped with the same battery as the Countryman E, the electric range is 269 miles (433km).
The new MINI Countryman is also available with petrol engines, offered as the 170hp/280Nm Countryman C with front-wheel drive, the 218hp/360Nm Countryman S ALL4 and an increased output 300hp/400Nm JCW model with all-wheel drive.
Now in it’s third generation, the largest member of the MINI family has grown in stature, gaining six centimetres in height and 13 centimetres in length.
The interior echoes the minimalist design of the classic Mini, using just the round instrument cluster in the centre and the infamous toggle bar below.
The curved dashboard features a textile surface for the first time.
Unique to the Countryman, design elements such as the air vents and door handles are vertically aligned.
Underneath the dashboard, the newly designed toggle bar houses the most important driving functions: parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle and volume control.
For customers choosing a combustion powertrain, the rear row of seats can be adjusted by up to 13 cm – providing either increased legroom or additional boot space.
Seat backrests are also individually adjustable in six positions by up to 12 degrees.
With the rear seats folded flat, boot space increases from 460-litres to a sizeable 1,450-litres.
An additional floor compartment provides a convenient space for charging accessories for the all-electric model.
Meanwhile, there's a central OLED touch display. With a diameter of 240mm and MINI Operating System 9, all vehicle functions can be operated with either touch or voice control.
MINI Operating System 9 is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.
The new AirConsole app provides in-car gaming, and makes the smartphone the game controller on the OLED display.
The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated with the greeting “Hey MINI” or by using the push-to-talk steering wheel button.
With improved voice recognition, verbal commands are also displayed on the central instrument cluster allowing drivers to control navigation, telephone, entertainment, and vehicle functions by hand movement.
In addition to Automatic Active Cruise Control, the new MINI Countryman supports lateral guidance with Steering and Lane Assistant, available optionally as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package.
This package includes a new function that helps the driver take the right exit based on semi-automated Level 2 driving.
For the first time, the MINI Countryman offers semi-automated driving at speeds of up to 37mph (60kph).
Up to this speed, the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel, providing keep their eyes on the road and are actively ready to steer and brake at all times.
Alongside automatic parking functions and 360-degree Parking View, the new MINI Countryman is also able to identify possible parking spaces, thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras.
The vehicle can also independently initiate space-restricted parking procedures and if there is insufficient room at the side of the vehicle, the car will use this function to drive out the parking space autonomously, making it easier for the driver to get in.
Finally, as part of the optional Parking Assistant Professional package, the vehicle can be manoeuvred out of a parking space via smartphone using the new Remote Parking function.
