2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Is Even Higher In Electrical Kind

We have seen carmakers provide an electrical model of gasoline-powered fashions earlier than, however with blended success. The Mercedes-Benz EQB is an apparent instance of an electrical car (EV) that is truly worse than its GLB gas-powered counterpart, whereas the Hyundai Kona Electrical someway works higher as an EV.

However BMW has been mastering this duality between EVs and inside combustion engines (ICEs) for fairly a while now. After realizing with the bizarre and dear iX that devoted EV platforms are usually not the perfect resolution for legacy carmakers, the German large determined as a substitute to construct what it calls multi-energy platforms, permitting it to fabricate the identical automotive on the identical meeting line with the selection of both ICE, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electrical powertrains.

And it turned out alright for BMW! The 5 and seven Sequence sedans are glorious in each EV and ICE kinds, and whereas the i4 electrical sports activities sedan is not precisely an electrical 3 Sequence, it mainly drives like one. So, when Mini, BMW’s quirky sub-brand of cute hatchbacks and crossovers, introduced that the next-generation Countryman would go down the same path, I used to be genuinely intrigued. I’ve all the time been a fan of the Countryman. It is the BMW X1‘s arguably cooler twin brother. So I had excessive hopes for its first-ever all-electric model. Seems going EV truly makes Mini’s subcompact crossover even higher.

The Countryman SE (for S Electrical) pictured here’s a press unit that belongs to the Mini Canada press workplace. The car was picked up clear and with a full cost. For detailed perception into testing procedures and knowledge assortment, please evaluate our methodology coverage.

2025 Mini Countryman SE First Impressions: Identical Nice (And Massive!) Bundle As The ICE Mannequin

When I drove the ICE Countryman S final fall, I used to be flabbergasted by how huge this Mini is now. But, it additionally completely is sensible contemplating that is the mannequin that constitutes the majority of Mini gross sales. And for the reason that Countryman exists principally to maintain your entire model afloat (quickly alongside the Aceman crossover), the Countryman is considerably excused for not connecting its styling with Mini’s previous.

So, whereas this bigger, wider and far heavier Countryman bares no true resemblance with every other Mini that got here earlier than it, it nonetheless carries with it the form of charming quirkiness I’ve personally all the time beloved in regards to the model. The Countryman appears to be like all square-jawed now, robust and prepared for journey. It appears to be like purposeful, energetic, younger and enjoyable. I additionally completely dig my tester’s contrasting form of bronze-ish, off-white roof and trim.

You may additionally by no means know that is the electrical model except you recognize your Minis. Solely the fluorescent yellow S badge and the dearth of an exhaust pipe reveal that this Countryman runs on battery energy alone. My solely gripe with the automotive I used to be driving was that the black winter wheel bundle diluted the Countryman’s in any other case vibrant styling.

2025 Mini Countryman SE Exterior Dimensions

2025 Mini Countryman SE: Variations Between The U.S. And Canadian Market

In different components of the world, Mini sells the electrical Countryman in several configurations, however right here within the U.S. and Canada, it is solely provided because the ALL4 dual-all-wheel-drive S mannequin. The principle distinction between each markets lies in the best way the 2 accessible trim ranges are known as and packaged.

As an illustration, within the U.S., you will get your Countryman SE in both Signature Plus or Iconic variants, whereas in Canada, these two trims are known as Premier and Premier +. Each markets, nevertheless, provide the selection of both a Basic or Favoured model, in addition to the identical 9 accessible paint colours. Each markets additionally mean you can paint the colour of your roof both white, silver (which is definitely this bronze-like tint), black or physique colour.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown And Beginning MSRP (mannequin examined in daring under)

Driving Impressions And Efficiency: It is Fast! And Enjoyable, The Approach A Mini Ought to Be

Once I drove the last-generation Mini Cooper electrical, I stated that changing a MINI to electrical propulsion makes a ton of sense. In spite of everything, these automobiles are principally city playthings. Electrical energy additionally provides them the moment acceleration and zippy character we count on from the Mini model. That electrical Cooper was additionally a heck of lots of enjoyable, so I anticipated the identical from this Countryman.

None of its driving expertise was misplaced by changing the Countryman to battery energy. If something, the moment acceleration of 308 mixed horsepower, simply 4 hp lower than the John Cooper Works Mannequin, provides this family-oriented Mini the straight-line muscle it must put on an S badge. However extra spectacular than that’s the 69-pound-foot bump in prompt torque versus the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, for a complete of 364 pound-feet.

The Countryman SE might weigh a whopping 1,200 kilos greater than its ICE equal because of the 64.6-kWh lithium-ion battery it carries in its ground, nevertheless it by no means lets that weight destroy crisp acceleration launches. On paper, Mini claims it is a full second slower from 0 to 60 MPH than a JCW, however the prompt rush of its EV propulsion helps mitigate this loss from how fast it launches.

Neither does this Countryman really feel bloated within the corners, the place the SE reveals the identical puppy-dog agility and willingness to play via a hyper-rigid chassis, a agency, quick-reacting steering, and tons of grip offered by a pair of electrical motors. And with MINI pumping in pretend engine sounds via the cabin prefer it does for the ICE mannequin, it is truthfully fairly troublesome to differentiate this EV from its turbocharged twin. Solely the snappy gear shifts from the JCW’s dual-clutch transmission would give it away. From behind the wheel, they each really feel virtually the identical.

2025 Mini Countryman SE Technical Specs

2025 Mini Countryman SE Power Consumption Vary And Charging

The EPA charges the Countryman SE’s vary with 18-inch wheels – like the best way I used to be driving – at 212 miles. With a set of 19-inch wheels, that quantity drops barely to 204 miles. The onboard charger for stage 2 AC dwelling charging is rated at 11 kW, whereas the DC fast-charging price on a suitable charger is ready at 130 kW, a comparatively low quantity in a world the place Teslas and Hyundais simply pull north of 200 kW.

Throughout my time with the automotive, I tried one fast-charging cycle on a 100 kW charger at a median outside temperature of three levels Celsius (37.4 Farenheit). I didn’t precondition the battery beforehand, which surprisingly nonetheless led to a gradual 60-kW cost curve throughout a 29-minute cycle.

As for vary and consumption, because of the comparatively cool climate via which I used to be driving the Countryman SE, I averaged 27.2 kWh/100 (77 MPGe) over a 435-mile run. This interprets right into a real-world vary determine of 148 miles.

EPA And As-Examined Power Consumption And Vary

Inside Design And Consolation: Neat Materials, Comfy Seats And Tons Of Room

Even inside, it will be nearly not possible to differentiate this electrical Countryman over its ICE counterpart, as they’re each primarily equivalent. However that is an excellent factor given how neat the common Countryman’s cabin is, with its warm-feeling supplies, cool colour mixtures and retro-inspired, minimalist design. It is all very welcoming in there, with strong construct high quality and premium-feeling supplies throughout. The Countryman appears like a high quality merchandise.

There are a couple of disappointments, like the whole absence of a bodily rev counter. As an alternative, Mini put a heads-up show. Whereas nonetheless efficient, it takes away from the traditional Mini rev counter that might transfer round with the steering wheel when adjusting it. I am additionally nonetheless not a fan of that dinky little gear selector on the dashboard, though for an EV, which successfully does not have any gears, it makes a bit extra sense.

However it’s the house and practicality of this inside that is actually spectacular. The Countryman might sit within the subcompact crossover class, nevertheless it’s clearly grown right into a compact. Entrance storage is ample via deep door pockets and what seems to be a pencil case that acts as a central storage unit. Rear legroom can be ample, even when tall passengers are sitting up entrance. And head clearance is rarely a problem given the Countryman’s upright stance and squared-off roof.

2025 Mini Countryman SE Inside Dimensions

Know-how And Ease Of Use: Round Display screen Is Enjoyable To Use And Fast To React, However It Is Loaded

In typical Mini vogue, the Countryman homes most of its controls and options inside a round infotainment system, a direct reference to the unique Mini’s round speedometer. For this era of the Countryman, much more info was crammed into it in an try to scale back the variety of bodily buttons, but in addition to remain in tune with the automotive’s minimalist vibe.

Typically talking, your entire system is slightly nice to have a look at and use. Mini places at your disposal totally different Experiences to set the temper in accordance with your preferences, which not solely adjustments the look of your entire system, but in addition fiddles with the automotive’s ambient lighting and even alters the Countryman’s driving traits. It is all very joyful and enjoyable, with a spunky Go-Kart mode that adjustments your entire gauge display screen right into a rad, sports-car-like gauge cluster. Wi-fi Android Auto, in my case, linked quick and effortlessly.

However it’s additionally a really loaded system, that means there’s rather a lot occurring in there. It may take you some time to get your head round it. You may additionally must dig deep into this technique to take away primary driving aids chances are you’ll not need, issues like adaptive cruise management or lane preserve help. And for the reason that system does not bear in mind your prior settings, you will must repeat the sequence every time, which is truthfully sort of a drag. Typically talking, although, it is a slightly nice system.

Cargo And Storage Area: Very Sensible, However Some EV Rivals Do Higher

One other good thing about utilizing the identical platform for each ICE and EV fashions is that there is little or no compromise for going electrical. The Countryman’s cargo house numbers are a transparent working example, as you solely lose 0.8 cu-ft of default cargo house when the seats are in place over its ICE equal. This enables the SE to be slightly sensible for its measurement, nevertheless it nonetheless will get dethroned in whole cargo house by fashions just like the Volvo EX40 (16 cu-ft/65.5 cu-ft) and the Mercedes-Benz EQB (25.9 cu-ft/61.8 cu-ft)

2025 Mini Countryman SE Cargo Area

The Mini Countryman Is Nice. Simply Select Your Gasoline

From the get-go, the 2025 Mini Countryman was all the time a really completed subcompact premium crossover. Whereas this new one will not be all that inexpensive, it does a bang-up job of mixing Mini’s traditional design attributes and fun-to-drive nature with the very good construct high quality and driving dynamics of a BMW. And with this new era mannequin now being bigger, the Countryman lastly deserves a spot among the many actually usable small crossovers as a consequence of its ample cabin house, storage and cargo capability. Whether or not you go for this electrical one or the gasoline-powered Countryman is actually as much as you. Both method, this factor is a pleasure.