Review: Mini Countryman Electric
Mini Countryman Electric Car Review
What is it?
The Countryman is a car which flew in the face of the original Mini ethos. However, this larger Mini SUV has gone on to become one of the brand’s most popular models, particularly for those drivers who still want the retro-inspired looks of the standard hatch but with better levels of space and practicality.
This year marks a big change for the Countryman. Not only does it arrive with a brand new platform and design, but it’s also available as an electric for the first time in the model’s history. Let’s take a look at what the new electric Mini Countryman.
What’s new?
There’s very little of the old Countryman left here. This new-look model stands 14cm longer than its predecessor to help boost in-car space while delivering the large boot that families want. Incidentally, it also opens up a gap for a smaller model - the Aceman - to arrive between the Countryman and the standard hatchback version.
Whereas the older Countryman was available with plug-in hybrid power, this new model does away with it entirely so there’s no real stepping stone between petrol and full electric.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are going to be two flavours of electric Countryman when it arrives here in May - E and SE. Entry-level E cars get a single front-mounted electric motor with 201bhp, helping the Countryman to zip from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds and deliver a tip-top range of 287 miles.
The SE, meanwhile, adopts a second electric motor to deliver all-wheel-drive traction and, in the process, power is increased to 309bhp. It’s enough to get the Countryman from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 111mph. Because of this extra performance, the range does dip a touch, but not too badly - Mini still claims up to 269 miles from a full charge. Plus, thanks to 130kW DC rapid charging capability, a 10 to 80 per cent charge can be conducted in 30 minutes.
What’s the electric Mini Countryman like to drive?
There’s a far more futuristic feel to this new Countryman than there was previously. Mini has developed specific sounds for this battery-powered model - so it does feel quite space-age - but it’s nicely contrasted by the large central screen which displays your speed, a nod to the big speedo in the original Mini.
In the range-topping SE model we drove the Countryman didn’t feel lacking in power, while having all-wheel-drive ensures you’ve got plenty of traction when exiting bends. Of course, Mini has put some real work into the way the Countryman drives to ensure that it still feels as ‘go-kart-like’ as possible, but it’s hard to disguise this large car’s weight which can be noticed through corners.
How does it look?
It’s still recognisable as a Mini, but this new Countryman has an altogether larger and more grown-up look than before. It really isn’t just a slightly larger hatch anymore, either, with this full-size SUV practically towering over regular hatchbacks and superminis.
The new flat front end gives the car a lot of visual impact and while the traditional round-shaped headlights have been ditched for this latest model, it’s still a very well-tied-together design. Top-spec Countryman models also get configurable LED light signatures - you can choose between different layouts and sequences to make the appearance of the car your own.
What’s it like inside?
There’s a lot of change inside, too, with the primary difference being the inclusion of the massive OLED screen in the centre of the dashboard. It’s the first time that we’ve seen this display used in a road car and though it can be a little tricky to use at times, it’s all very clear and packed with features.
There are some pleasantly upmarket touches, too, such as the knitted dashboard material which adds an element of warmth, while the same material is used on the door cards and provides a refreshing alternative to the vast slabs of plastics used in this area on a lot of modern cars.
What’s the spec like?
There are three specifications of Countryman to choose from - Classic, Sport and Exclusive. The good news is that regardless of which trim you opt for you’re getting plenty of standard equipment, such as LED lights, adaptive cruise control and a power-assisted tailgate. Classic, as you might expect, brings a more traditional design with silver alloys, while Sport adds in more dynamic touches with a full black styling kit with takes inspiration from go-faster John Cooper Works models.
Then there’s Exclusive, which adds in the recycled knitted dashboard and a range of silver styling elements. Prices start from £42,080, though you could push beyond the £50,000 mark if you opt for a higher specification car with some options.
Our verdict on the new Mini Countryman electric car
Mini feels as though it is on to another winner with the new Countryman. It feels special both inside and out yet still comes with the level of technology and finish that you’d expect from a car in this class and price point.
There are loads of great features inside but, most importantly, this Countryman doesn’t feel too serious; it hasn’t lost that sense of fun that Minis have been known for over the decades. It’s one of the key reasons why this new Countryman stands ahead of the crowd.
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