2025 MINI Countryman is Beautifully Redesigned and Now Electric, Too
Today marked the global debut of not only the redesigned and upgraded MINI Cooper SE but also the second-generation 2025 MINI Countryman, which looks more like a proper subcompact crossover with increased size as well as more features and versatility than its predecessor.
It will launch in Canada sometime next year (likely in the first half) offering both gas-powered and fully electric variants.
- Also: All-New 2025 MINI Cooper SE Looks Sharp, Offers More Power and Range
- Also: Five Things to Know About Mini's New Infotainment System
New MINI Design Language
Compared with the outgoing Countryman, the new model is 6 cm taller and 13 cm longer, with extra wheelbase on top of that. The cleaner, sharper exterior boasts wider wheel arches and a C-pillar treatment that differs according to the vehicle trim and is based on one of the four available roof colours. A nice touch.
The bumpers, front grille, headlights and wheels are all revised following MINI’s new design language and give the Countryman a rather high-tech and futuristic appearance. The new upright taillights frame the rear of the vehicle. Below the model lettering, the body tapers across the entire width and, together with the striking, all-round vehicle band in black, emphasizes the enhanced presence of the new Countryman.
Versatile and Colourful Interior
Inside, the cabin is more spacious including extra headroom and legroom while offering more versatility. In combination with the tinted panoramic glass roof and the reduced shapes of the front seats and rear seat, the ambience is particularly bright and airy.
The clearly designed dashboard and door panels are covered with woven textile surfaces and coordinated with eight different MINI Experience Modes: these maximize the options for customizing the interior by means of light projections, a configurable user interface and new engine sounds. Pretty cool, eh?
Similar to the redesigned Cooper, the main highlight is the large and round centre touchscreen powered by MINI’s new infotainment system, which doubles up as an instrument cluster since there’s no more physical panel in front of the steering wheel, just a head-up display. This interactive OLED display measures 9.5 inches in diameter and is much thinner than the one it replaces. It incorporates MINI’s 9th-generation interface.
And because this is a major trend in the industry, MINI has also created a new virtual assistant that responds to the command "Hey MINI". This can take the form of cute little doggo named Spike, which can recognize and distinguish between the voices of the vehicle's various occupants. As with other virtual assistants, Spike can further push interaction with occupants with jokes and other random interventions.
Electric First
The next-generation MINI Countryman is making its debut first in fully electric configuration, with two models to choose from globally including the FWD-only Countryman E and the AWD-equipped Countryman SE ALL4. We’re almost certain only the latter will come to Canada. It delivers 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque, allowing 0-100 km/h sprints in 5.6 seconds, the company says.
Range is estimated at 433 km according to the WLTP standard. Obviously, that number will be lower in North America, but we can expect the vehicle to be able to travel up to around 300 km. That’s nowhere near the range provided by the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, which will be its two closest rivals. Incidentally, the battery has a capacity of 64.7 kWh and fast charging with direct current is possible with up to 130 kW. Level 2 charging at home is possible up to 22 kW.
As for the conventionally powered Countryman, we’ll get the details at a later date. The engines will likely stay the same, with output increasing from 134 hp to 189 hp to 301 hp depending on the model. The high-performance Countryman JCW has indeed been confirmed to return.
In addition to the redesigned Cooper and Countryman, MINI promises to expand its lineup in 2024 with a brand new model called Aceman, based on the concept we saw last year. Don’t miss it.
