EV reviews are becoming an unhealthy habit for me. As much as I try to only write about non-EVs (hey, I’m an old-school car nut!), the fact is that most new cars these days are all-electric. Speaking of all-electric, MINI’s first-ever SUV EV is here.
The all-electric Countryman SE is a clear sign that MINI is serious about its move into the electric age. If you’re a longtime MINI fan, you’ll find plenty to love in this new model, though it depends on what you love MINI for. Because it ticks some boxes, but definitely not all of them.
Does it still look ‘MINI’?
Well, yes, the new Countryman SE still screams MINI but with some excellent, modern touches. The front grille is mostly closed off (because, hey, no engine), and the ‘glowing’ LED headlights give it a sleek, futuristic vibe. Overall, the style and proportions are similar to those of the outgoing car, so you can still tell it’s a MINI Countryman, but the edges are now, erm, edgier.
The Countryman has always been bigger (maybe also badder, if you consider that this new model has a JCW variant, too?) than the regular MINI Cooper, which gives it a strong presence on the road. However, that makes it a little bulkier, too. It’s good for space but not so much for pace—but we’ll talk about that later.
Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that’s both minimalistic, stylish and functional. The brand has decided to retain some of its design cues; the WWII pilot switches are still around and sit below the round screen. A circular OLED display is the centrepiece of the new car, and it houses the brand’s latest tech, the MINI Operating System 9. Designed with a “Charismatic Simplicity” approach, it aims to be both functional and fun to use. But in truth, it does take some getting used to. After all, MINI’s UI/UX designers were trying to fit a round peg in a square hole, or should it be a square peg in a round hole in this case?
Either way, it scores a 10/10 on being cool and novel but a 7/10 on user-friendliness. The design, high-res graphics, and colours are fantastic, blending static and dynamic elements for a sleek and seamless experience.
The rest of the interior gives off a modern, sustainable, eco-friendly vibe, with recycled fabrics and trims that match the car’s green theme. But yet, there are some sections, like the switches, that are clearly made out of hard plastic. But you could excuse MINI for doing that because the new Countryman also tries to blend hints of being a rugged and utilitarian machine – almost Land Rover Defender-like. So, while it’s trying to be too many things at a time, perhaps the hardier materials and chunkier design cues are there for that reason? Who knows? I’m just guessing at this point.
Like all SUVs, though, you sit a bit higher, which is great for visibility, and there’s plenty of space for you and your passengers. The boot and cargo space is still ample at best—after all, it is a MINI. Overall, the step away from having a cute and roundish design language is big and bold. While I think it was, and still is, necessary to keep reinventing oneself, the new design is a tad bit overdone. I like how clean the new panels are, though (on the MINI Cooper, too), but let’s see how all of you react to it. The proof is, after all, in the pudding, and by that, I mean sales.
Does it still feel ‘MINI’?
The Countryman may not be the best model to benchmark against for the ‘MINI feel’. But I can see how the engineers and designers have tried to make it work. The overall approach to keeping things fun and fresh is rather apparent, and the MINI Experience Modes are one of these things. With up to seven modes, you can personalise the driving experience to fit your mood, change the lighting, display colours, and even the driving dynamics, adding a touch of MINI’s spirit to your everyday drive. For example, putting it in ‘Balance’ mode brings up a zen-like colour theme and activates the massage seats. Switching to Go-Kart sharpens up the drive and changes the interface to a racier one with chequered flags and racing meter motifs. Undoubtedly, it’s a more digital take on being relevant, but hey, I guess it’ll work on the younger crowd?
Does it still drive like a MINI?
Well, yes and no. Let me explain.
MINIs have always been known as zippy little machines that respond to driver inputs and feel like a go-kart to drive. Believe it or not, to some extent, the Countryman actually meets the full criteria. But (and you know there is a ‘but’) because much of it is no longer analogue but electrically tuned, the combined result is a slightly confused car.
Let’s look at the figures: The Countryman SE packs 304 bhp and 494 Nm of torque to all four wheels. So yes, it’s definitely zippy, as acceleration is instantaneous and very brisk. Driver feedback has also been dialled in to ensure the car reacts to the slightest of steering inputs. But here’s where things get a little iffy; the steering feels disconnected and is almost like a gaming console.
Also, if you’re used to that go-kart feel, this might be a letdown. The car’s size and weight make it feel less agile, and you do feel the heft and body roll, especially when you’re tackling tight corners or twisty roads. In the end, the Countryman is more about comfort than sportiness, which is great for daily driving but not so much for those who crave a bit of excitement behind the wheel.
Range and Charging
On the practical side, the Countryman SE delivers a solid range of up to 433 km on a full charge. That’s plenty for most commutes and road trips. If you’re in a hurry, you can get from 10% to 80% charge in about 35 minutes with a 50 kW fast charger. A full charge with an 11 kW wall box at home should take around 6.5 hours. The non-S version (-105 bhp) promises a better range at 462 km per charge and is SGD 15,000 less.
Verdict
The MINI Countryman SE is a fun and stylish electric SUV that offers a lot in design, tech, and range. The new MINI Operating System 9 is a big win, making the tech fun, easy and enjoyable to use. In the end though, much like the MINI Experience Modes, the Countryman SE is a mix of personalities in one car. While that might be a plus for some, to me, it comes off as not really knowing what it wants to be.
As a driver who appreciates MINIs for their sharp, sporty driving feel, I had expected a bit more. The steering feels artificial, and the car’s size makes it less agile than the smaller MINIs we all know and love. Ultimately, it’s more of a comfy cruiser than a nimble road warrior.
If you’re looking for an electric car with more personality than the typical templated Chinese EV, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 looks to be the perfect fit. Our pick would be the non-S variant; while it may offer less power, it should fulfil the wants and needs of potential Countryman owners.
Technical Specifications
MINI Countryman SE ALL4
Powertrain: Dual Electric Motor, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 304 bhp
Torque: 494Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 5.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 66.5 kWh
Drive Range: 443 km
Energy Consumption: 18.6kWh/100km (claimed)
Price: S$243,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: MINI Habitat
Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@carboy_365)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!
