Once again an all-new MINI has been spied without any design-concealing camouflage, this time being the all-new Countryman SUV snapped ahead of time. Not due for its public debut until after the summer of this year, MINI’s largest SUV will join the all-new Cooper hatchback as part of the brand’s forthcoming new product offensive, coming in both pure electric and internal combustion forms.
The all-new Countryman certainly apes the smaller Cooper hatchback in terms of its cleaner, more futuristic appearance, only with a blockier square-edged grille fascia, headlights and lower bumpers. The chartreuse-coloured S badges suggest this is the all-electric variant, with further ‘All4’ badges on the side giving us a clue that it’s likely the 309bhp dual-motor variant we’ve already experienced from the passenger seat.
Beyond the new details, it’s also very clear that the new Countryman has been designed in a similar style to the forthcoming all-electric Cooper, with sculpted bodywork that very gently flares at the wheel arches, creating an even more defined shoulder below the window-line. The trademark blacked-out pillars and contrasting roof are typical of all MINI models, but it comes with a new contrasting element just behind the rear door.
The extended rear wing and aero spats on the tailgate now look particularly long, which together with the roof spoiler are designed to clean up the airflow as it detaches from the side of the car. This makes the whole car significantly more slippery to the benefit of both EV and ICE models. Finally, the rear lights also look to borrow the upcoming MINI Cooper’s pixelated LED design in a narrower shape. As with the Cooper, the overall effect is much cleaner and more contemporary, while still recognisably MINI.
This new sheet metal hides some fairly substantial changes under the skin including a 130mm increase in overall length and a 60mm increase in height. These dramatic changes in size don’t only leave space underneath for the new MINI Aceman – a model that will occupy the compact electric SUV space as well as effectively replacing the existing five-door hatchback – but is also driven by its shared FAAR underpinnings with the latest BMW X1 and iX1.
As such, we already know that electric models will be available with a 309bhp dual-motor setup that draws power from a 64.7kWh battery pack, mounted in a single module underneath the cabin floor. Peak charging rates should also be the same 130kW, with a similar six second 0-62mph time and a range of around 280 miles.
Sitting alongside the electric model will be a combustion engine-powered alternative, featuring a similar combination of 1.5-litre three- and 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines matched to either a front- or all-wheel drive system as found in the X1. BMW does offer a plug-in hybrid and diesel version of its X1, but MINI has only committed to offering petrol and full-electric options with the PHEV still to be confirmed, although it’s unlikely to offer the diesel.
This generation of Countryman will be the first built in Germany itself, sharing a production line with the X1 and iX1 in BMW’s Leipzig plant. MINI boss Stefanie Wurst spoke to Auto Express about the new Countryman, stating the car has a big job to do. “This will definitely help us out in the US,” she says. “It’s also for people we were losing from the brand.”
Wurst also confirmed that hot John Cooper Works versions of every new MINI are on the cards, with the new Countryman being no exception. It’s likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 302bhp as found in the existing model – an engine that also does service in BMW’s M135i hot hatchback.
Inside, the Countryman will feature a trademark central, circular screen with a slim, high-definition makeover, an improvement in the quality of materials throughout the cabin, a wider variety of colours and textures, plus what Wurst describes as “an immersive digital experience”.
With a September reveal date in the diary for this year’s Frankfurt motor show, the Countryman, in both electric and combustion forms, is scheduled to launch in 2024.
Now read more about the new all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible…
