For a brand built on the concept of "Mini," introducing a car as sizeable as the Countryman was a bold move away from tradition—and now, the MINI Countryman Electric takes things even further. As MINI’s first fully electric SUV, it marks a significant step forward in the brand’s evolution, blending its iconic style with cutting-edge sustainability.

The Countryman Electric also paves the way for MINI's growing lineup of EVs, recently joined by the all-new MINI Aceman, which expands the brand's electric ambitions even further. With its combination of practicality, performance, and personality, the Countryman Electric proves that going green doesn’t mean compromising on MINI’s trademark charm or fun-to-drive spirit.

Performance

The electric MINI Countryman draws a lot of inspiration from the newly unveiled BMW iX2—a solid benchmark to align with. The lineup includes the Countryman E, a front-wheel-drive EV powered by a single motor delivering 204hp, paired with a 64.8kWh battery that offers an impressive range of about 462km. However, our focus is on the SE All4 model, a step up in power and capability.

Equipped with dual 140kW motors, one on each axle, the SE All4 boasts four-wheel drive (hence the "All4" moniker) and delivers a robust 313hp and 494Nm of torque. While it uses the same battery as the Countryman E, the additional power means a slightly reduced range. Still, at 433km, it’s a highly competitive figure for an all-electric crossover.

This blend of performance and practicality makes the Countryman SE All4 a standout choice for drivers seeking a capable, eco-friendly ride with MINI’s signature charm.

Range and Charging

The MINI Countryman comes with a single battery option offering 66.5kWh of capacity. This provides the Countryman E with an impressive range of up to 440 km, making it a solid choice for efficiency-focused drivers. Step up to the more powerful Countryman SE ALL4, and the range dips slightly to a still-respectable 416 km.

When it comes to charging, the Countryman supports speeds of up to 130kW when connected to a compatible public charger. MINI claims this allows the battery to go from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. While this isn’t as fast as the 200kW+ charging speeds offered by brands like Tesla, Volvo, or Kia, it’s still a reasonable pace for most drivers.

This balance of range and charging capability makes the Countryman a practical option for electric driving with MINI’s signature flair.

Design and Interior

The latest MINI Countryman strikes a balance between being refreshingly modern and recognisably classic, especially for fans of MINI's largest model. Key updates like the squared-off daytime running lights, a sleeker tailgate design, and the distinctive floating C-pillar behind the rear doors make it clear this is a new generation. Yet, its "estate-on-stilts" silhouette still pays homage to the two previous iterations of the Countryman.

Step inside, and you’ll find an interior unlike anything else on the market. The centrepiece is a bold, circular infotainment screen—claimed to be the first of its kind—paired with a pill-shaped control panel beneath it, designed to evoke the charm of the original 1950s Mini. But it’s not all about retro styling; the Countryman proves to be highly practical. There’s ample legroom in the back, generous storage options, and a sizeable boot, making it a family-friendly option.

Speaking of space, the rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults, with perks like USB-C charging ports, air vents, and cupholders in the centre armrest. The boot, while offering 460 litres of storage, falls slightly behind rivals like the BMW iX1 (490 litres) and Peugeot E-3008 (520 litres). That said, its square shape and flat floor still make it a functional choice for day-to-day needs.

The cabin design is refreshingly different, with textured knitted fabric on the dashboard and door panels, complemented by soft-touch faux leather. This unique combination gives the interior a vibrant, premium feel, a departure from the plain plastics found in many other small SUVs. However, while stylish, the fabric might pose challenges for families—especially when kids inevitably bring messes into the mix.

Despite some minor drawbacks, the MINI Countryman’s blend of style, practicality, and personality makes it a standout in the crowded crossover market.

Cost Considerations

With a starting price of approximately €49,000 and a range of up to 440 km, the MINI Countryman Electric finds itself in a competitive corner of the EV market. Its rivals span a wide spectrum, from compact hatchbacks like the VW ID.3, Kia EV3, and MG4, to larger models such as the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Skoda Enyaq, and Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Conclusion

The Countryman remains a practical family car, now with the added benefit of being fully electric. Despite the shift to EV, it hasn’t lost MINI’s signature sense of fun and style—and it’s still a joy to drive. Sure, some competitors may offer longer ranges, bigger boots, or lower price tags, but the Countryman’s unique appeal, lively driving dynamics, and blend of practicality, sophistication, and tech make it stand out. When it comes to compact, high-riding EVs, the new Countryman is undoubtedly one of the top contenders in its class.