Performance

Though the Countryman will also be offered with a choice of petrol engines spanning from 170hp to the fire-breathing 300hp JCW, it’s the electric models that will hit the showrooms first. You can choose between the single electric motor front drive model, the Countryman E, and the dual motor Countryman SE ALL4. Both feature a 64.7kWh battery; the SE ALL4 accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds with a range of up to 269 miles; though not as fast from 0-62mph at 8.6s, the Countryman E has a longer range of up to 287 miles. Both models can charge at up to 130kW DC, which boosts the battery from 10-18% in under 30 minutes.

Technology

It’s all change inside the new MINI Countryman, with the new MINI Operating System 9 offering improved voice recognition, simpler touch control and cloud-based navigation. The iconic central ‘speedo’ now features OLED technology with better integration of graphics in the round screen; speed and battery condition are shown in the upper sector, while navigation, media, phone and climate are shown in the lower half. You can choose from eight MINI Experience modes, namely Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless, Trail and Balance. In Green mode the driving experience is biased towards energy saving, while Go-Kart mode sharpens up the steering and throttle response. Each mode has its own display theme.

Safety

A comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems come as standard, while the optional Driving Assistant Plus package adds Automatic Active Cruise Control, Steering Assistant and Lane Assistant. The package also offers Level 2 semi-automated driving, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel at speeds of up to 37mph. 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras enable the MINI Countryman to identify possible parking spaces.