MINI Countryman
MINI
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
MINI Countryman: The Big MINI SUV
The MINI Countryman is the brand's largest and best-selling model, a compact SUV crossover available with all-wheel drive and, in the latest generation, fully electric powertrain options.
Launched in 2010, the first-generation Countryman broke new ground for MINI by delivering a raised ride height, genuine rear passenger room, and an optional ALL4 all-wheel drive system in a body that still carried unmistakable MINI styling cues. It was initially met with scepticism from purists who felt a large SUV diluted the brand, but buyers disagreed and it quickly became the range's best-seller worldwide. The second generation arrived in 2017 on a longer wheelbase, further improving practicality and interior quality while adding a plug-in hybrid option, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
The third-generation Countryman, revealed in 2023, rides on BMW's new FAAR platform and grows again to 4,433 mm in length, making it a genuine compact SUV competitor to cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan and BMW X1. Petrol variants with front-wheel drive and ALL4 all-wheel drive are joined by a fully electric Countryman E with around 460 km WLTP range and a Countryman SE ALL4 electric with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Interior quality takes another step up, with the same circular OLED display as the new Cooper hatch and a noticeably more premium ambience.
The Countryman's boot measures 460 litres in petrol form and 450 litres in the electric version, with the rear seats folding to reveal around 1,450 litres of total space. It is positioned and priced in premium compact SUV territory, competing on brand desirability and driving engagement rather than outright value, and continues to account for a substantial share of MINI's global sales volume.
Frequently asked questions about MINI Countryman
Is the MINI Countryman available fully electric?
Yes, the third-generation Countryman launched in 2024 offers a Countryman E with front-wheel drive and around 460 km WLTP range, and a Countryman SE ALL4 with dual motors and all-wheel drive for around 433 km WLTP range.
Does the MINI Countryman still feel like a MINI to drive?
It retains more body roll than the Cooper hatch due to its taller stance, but MINI engineers tune the suspension for more agility than typical compact SUVs. The steering is sharp and the car feels alert for its size, even if purists consider it a softer interpretation of the go-kart ideal.
What is MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive?
ALL4 is MINI's branding for its electronic rear-axle drive system, which uses an electronically controlled clutch to send torque to the rear wheels on demand. It operates as front-wheel drive in normal conditions for efficiency and engages the rear when slip is detected or when sporty driving demands more traction.
How big is the Countryman boot?
The third-generation petrol Countryman has 460 litres of boot space with the seats up, expandable to around 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The electric Countryman E has a slightly smaller 450-litre boot due to underbody battery packaging.
How does the Countryman compare to the BMW X1?
The third-generation Countryman shares its FAAR platform with the BMW X1 and uses related powertrains. The X1 has more interior space and a more conventional premium SUV character, while the Countryman offers more distinctive styling and a stronger brand identity among buyers who prize individuality.
Other MINI models
Submit Your Whip