MINI COUNTRYMAN EV— A FIRST LOOK

By Piero Facchin

Mini has already announced its intention to become an exclusively electric brand by 2030, but until now we have only seen a few electric models from the brand. That’s about to change as the automaker prepares to launch an electric version of the Countryman in 2024.

Mini has unveiled the first image of the battery-electric version of its largest model, giving the electric vehicle world a glimpse of the model we’ll see next year. As expected, the Countryman will retain the overall profile and size of the current model, but its design details are bound to be a bit different, with rectangular headlights being just one of the changes we might see in the next-generation model.

In addition, it will be the first Mini to be produced in Germany, with the Countryman having to share assembly line space with the smaller BMWs.

“The new Mini Countryman rolls off the Leipzig production line with BMW’s 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Active Tourer,” the automaker said. “This makes this site the first plant in which BMW and Mini vehicles are manufactured together, once again demonstrating maximum flexibility.”

What can we expect from the EV version of the Countryman?

We’ve already received a good clue about the Mini’s likely powertrain, from the electric BMW iX1, that debuted in 2022. The SUV, which remains on its side of the Atlantic for now, is powered by a 64.7 kWh battery, giving the dual-motor AWD configuration 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque. The Countryman should borrow this recipe, which BMW says is good for about 400 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

Those who aren’t ready for the idea of an electric Mini Countryman will still be able to get the gasoline version, as Mini will offer an internal combustion variant with the launch of the next-generation model, which will arrive for the 2025 model year.