New MINI Countryman Electric boasts a circular screen and a 287-mile range

The MINI Countryman SUV is going electric. Revealed alongside the new MINI Cooper Electric at the Munich Motor Show, the all-new MINI Countryman Electric will also be offered alongside a petrol model and boasts the brand’s revolutionary new interior technology,

Pricing for the MINI Countryman Electric has already been confirmed, with entry-level models starting at £41,500, rising to £46,600 for the range-topping SE ALL4 variant. This all puts the electric MINI SUV in good stead price-wise against semi-premium rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model Y.

Under its funky-yet-minimalist exterior, the new MINI Countryman Electric shares its underpinnings with the more expensive BMW iX1. Consequently, it’s grown slightly for this latest generation, being six centimetres taller and 13 centimetres longer than the old petrol car. A stretched wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) also promises a roomier cabin – more on that later.

From launch, MINI will offer the Countryman Electric with two powertrains, with all cars getting the same 64.7kWh battery as the iX1. The first, dubbed the ‘Countryman Electric E’, gets a single electric motor on the rear axle outputting 201bhp. This results in a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds and a range of up to 287 miles on a single charge – more than the MINI’s BMW counterpart.

Upgrade to the ‘Countryman Electric SE ALL4’ and power is boosted to 309bhp, thanks to the addition of an extra electric motor on the front axle. With 494Nm of torque at its disposal, the SE ALL4 will reach 62mph in just 5.6 seconds – though the extra power does mean range is reduced slightly to 269 miles. 

Both versions of the MINI Countryman Electric are capable of charging at speeds of up to 130kW when plugged into a compatible DC public rapid charger. According to MINI, this will top-up the battery from 10-80% in under 30 minutes. Buyers can also pay extra for faster 22kW AC charging – although this is only any use if you have access to rare three-phase electrics.

Moving inside, the new electric MINI Countryman’s cabin is almost unrecognisable compared with the outgoing model. The nod to the original Austin Mini’s round central speedometer remains, but this time in the form of a futuristic circular OLED touchscreen. This not only displays the Countryman’s current speed, but also houses the built-in sat nav and climate controls.

Undoubtedly the most distinctive feature of MINI’s Operating System 9 is this ability to select from one of several ‘Experience Modes’, including ‘Go-Kart’, ‘Green’ and ‘Timeless’, which all affect the on-screen graphics, ambient lighting and even the way the car drives. Exclusive to the Countryman Electric is the ‘Trail’ mode which displays a compass on-screen and the current incline data.

Of course, this isn’t the only way owners can configure their new Countryman Electric; not only can buyers choose from one of three trim levels – ‘Classic’, ‘Exclusive’ and ‘Sport’ – but they can also choose from one of three headlight and taillight signatures via the central touchscreen. While the current speed is shown at the top of the display, buyers can also specify a pop-up head-up display to sit behind the retro two-spoke steering wheel. 

Drivers looking to take their MINI Countryman Electric on the motorway will be pleased to hear the new car is available with the Driving Assistant Plus package, which offers Level 2 autonomous driving. In plain English, this means drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and let the car do the driving (provided you continue to keep your eyes on the road) at speeds of up to 37mph. MINI will also offer the Countryman Electric with a 360-degree parking camera for easier manoeuvres – handy given how much larger the new car is compared with the old model.

The result of this increase in space is not only a much airier-looking cabin, but more storage space, too. The rear seats can – optionally, of course – slide and tilt to benefit either passenger or boot space, of which there is 460 litres – 10 litres more than the old car and just a smidge less than a Kia Niro EV. Fold the rear seats flat and the load area expands to a cavernous 1,450 litres, plus there’s a handy cable storage bin under the boot floor.

It’s unconfirmed when exactly order books will open, but MINI says first Countryman Electric deliveries will commence in February 2024.