Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

MINI Countryman review – MINI charm in a big practical package

The MINI Countryman has grown in size and become more practical, but brings all the fun the brand is known for

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • More practical than before
  • Good balance of comfort and driving dynamics
  • Well-built interior

Cons

  • Expensive
  • JCW model not as fun as some rivals
  • Notable wind noise at speed

Verdict – is the MINI Countryman Electric a good car?

The latest MINI Countryman is larger and more practical than ever, making it one of the brand’s most compelling models yet. It’s expensive, especially in electric guise, but with great build quality, comfort and a sense of fun, it will appeal to many buyers.

MINI Countryman Electric models, specs and alternatives

MINI’s largest car, the MINI Countryman SUV, is now in its third generation and offered not only as a petrol model, but as a fully-electric version, too. This generation of MINI Countryman isn’t just the largest car in the brand’s lineup, it’s the largest MINI ever – bigger even than rival mid-size SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai, and both taller and longer than a Range Rover Evoque.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest MINI Countryman is based on the same underpinnings as the BMW X1 and X2 – two models which themselves are offered in petrol form or as pure-electric cars badged iX1 and iX2. The MINI Countryman takes that formula and injects the retro charm and style associated with the MINI brand, though this time around the Countryman’s design strays a little further away from the MINI Cooper hatchback, getting its own angular styling, most notably with those sharp, slanted headlights.

Petrol versions are badged Countryman C, Countryman S and the performance-focused John Cooper Works. Entry-level Countryman C gets 168bhp from a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid three-cylinder turbocharged engine, while the 2.0-litre mild-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Countryman S gives it a power figure of 215bhp. The performance-oriented John Cooper Works model uses the same 2.0-litre engine but is tuned to a higher output of 296bhp, which is actually down 5bhp on the equivalent outgoing Countryman JCW.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There are two versions of the electric MINI Countryman, starting with the single-motor front-wheel drive Countryman E with 201bhp, and the dual-motor four-wheel drive Countryman SE ALL4 with a punchier 308bhp. The former gets the longest range, at up to 286 miles to a charge, while the higher-performance SE variant can travel up to 266 miles per charge, according to the official figures.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MINI Countryman’s trim structure is a little more complicated than that of most cars, because following your choice between single or dual-motor configuration, you choose a ‘style’, the options for which comprise ‘Classic’, ’Exclusive’ or ‘Sport’. After that many of the Countryman’s options are incorporated into packs, designated ‘Level 1’, ‘Level 2’ and ‘Level 3’. Level 1 is standard on the mid-range Countryman S and SE models, as well as the JCW performance model, but costs £2,500 extra on Countryman C and E. Level 3 can only be optioned on ‘Exclusive’ style cars and above.

Trim levels

Power options

  • Classic (with Level 1 or Level 2 pack)
  • Exclusive (with Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 pack)
  • Sport (with Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 pack)
  • Countryman E single-motor (201bhp)
  • Countryman SE dual-motor (308bhp)

MINI Countryman alternatives

As a premium mid-size SUV, the electric MINI Countryman goes up against premium electric rivals such as the BMW iX1 with which it shares many underpinnings, or the Mercedes EQA. Both it and the petrol-powered Countryman have grown significantly since the last iteration, making this the largest MINI ever, comparable in size to mid-size family cars like the Nissan Qashqai and Range Rover Evoque.

Premium mid-size SUVs

Because the Countryman has grown in size, it could actually be considered alongside a fair few premium mid-size SUVs. The mid-range Countryman S is similar in price to premium rivals like the Volvo XC40, while the electric model’s higher price in comparison to the standard petrol’s also means you’re hitting territory with SUVs like the Audi Q3, which can be had in a higher specification for the price of a base electric MINI Countryman.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Premium electric SUVs

The electric MINI Countryman shares lots of its underpinnings with the BMW iX1, making the it a slightly cheaper alternative. There’s also the Mercedes EQA which can be had at just over the price of the top-spec Countryman SE model, and while the Skoda Enyaq is quite a bit larger – albeit a little less upmarket than the Countryman – its pricing puts it in similar territory in mid-range specification.

Should you buy a MINI Countryman?

The latest MINI Countryman is certainly a much-improved model compared to the outgoing car given it’s more practical and civilised than ever before. Admittedly its growth spurt will once again have purists debating whether it’s truly worthy of being called a ‘MINI’, but the Countryman delivers most of the charm, premium feel and fun the marque has come to be known for.

The electric MINI Countryman is undoubtedly expensive, especially in dual-motor SE trim, but it still delivers on that sense of charm and fun with all that added practicality, making it a compelling EV that could be one of the brand’s most convincing models yet.

While we’ve yet to test a standard petrol model, the John Cooper Works performance variant wasn’t just fun to drive, it also had a surprisingly supple ride which we think would bode well for the cheaper, more comfort-focused models further down the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

We were impressed with the electric Countryman SE, but its eye-wateringly steep £47,000+ price tag is hard to ignore. If your budget does stretch this far, you’ll be getting an undeniably fun and practical EV, but while we’ve yet to drive the front wheel-drive Countryman E, we suspect its more modest circa-£42,000 price will make it a more popular choice with buyers. 

We’re happy to report that despite the electric model’s extra weight it struck a fine balance between delivering a fun driving experience and composed, comfortable ride – better, in fact, than the setup used in the closely-related BMW iX2.

The Countryman’s interior feels high quality, although it takes a more minimalist approach. Everything feels well put together, and we preferred the simpler, more tasteful teal-coloured interior of the Cooper SE we tested, rather than the slightly more garish black and red dash of the John Cooper Works. The circular OLED display in the centre of the dashboard was crisp and attractive, though some buyers might not like how busy it can get with all the information in one place.

Practicality is one obvious reason you’d buy a Countryman rather than the standard hatch, and the latest version makes improvements in this area. There’s plenty of space on the inside, with lots of headroom and legroom for rear passengers, and the boot is a good size. Admittedly there are more practical cars out there, but there’s now less of a trade-off in usability if you want that MINI charm.

What is the best MINI Countryman for low running costs?

The electric MINI Countryman E would be your best bet for low running costs. As it’s electric it should be cheaper to top up, but also boasts the longest range, at up to 288 miles compared with the SE’s 269-mile figure. VED road tax will be free until 2025, as will entry into the congestion-charge zone, and its zero-emissions status means it sits in the lowest BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax band for company-car buyers. 

What is the best MINI Countryman for keen drivers?

The MINI Countryman John Cooper Works is the pick of the range for keen drivers, and we were surprised to find that it struck a great balance between drivability and everyday usability when we drove it. While it won’t ever be quite as nimble as the MINI Cooper hatchback, it’s still very agile and uses the same 296bhp engine as used in the sporty M35i versions of the BMW X1 and X2, giving it plenty of shove.

How we tested the MINI Countryman

We’ve driven the dual-motor electric MINI Countryman SE, as well as the petrol performance version, the Countryman John Cooper Works, on European roads.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New MINI Countryman John Cooper Works arrives to spice up the range
2024 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works
News
9 Nov 2023

New MINI Countryman John Cooper Works arrives to spice up the range

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on Countryman

Top 10 best used hybrid cars 2024
The best used hybrid cars 2023
Best cars
15 Dec 2023

Top 10 best used hybrid cars 2024

Read our guide to see the best used hybrid cars available to buy right now
New MINI Countryman John Cooper Works arrives to spice up the range
2024 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works
News
9 Nov 2023

New MINI Countryman John Cooper Works arrives to spice up the range

The latest generation of the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works hot SUV arrives as the lineup’s flagship performance model
New 2024 MINI Countryman officially unveiled
mini countryman 2024
News
1 Sep 2023

New 2024 MINI Countryman officially unveiled

MINI’s latest Countryman model has finally been fully revealed at the International Motor Show in Munich and will get a £28,500 starting price
Skip advert
Advertisement
MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid SUV review
MINI Countryman PHEV driving
In-depth reviews
1 Aug 2023

MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid SUV review

“The MINI Countryman PHEV is cheap to run, fun to drive and quiet in traffic”
MINI Countryman SUV (2016–2023) review
2020 MINI Countryman SUV
In-depth reviews
14 Mar 2023

MINI Countryman SUV (2016–2023) review

"The MINI Countryman is a fun and stylish family car that’s also practical and economical"
MINI launches Shadow Edition models across entire range
MINI Shadow Edition range
News
25 Oct 2021

MINI launches Shadow Edition models across entire range

Exclusive styling tweaks and extra equipment for MINI Shadow Edition models
Last petrol MINI to be launched in 2025
Yellow MINI driving - side view
News
17 Mar 2021

Last petrol MINI to be launched in 2025

MINI’s UK range will be completely electric by the end of the decade
Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest
News
15 Dec 2020

Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest

Take a look at the best and most memorable special edition cars
Skip advert
Advertisement
MINI Countryman Boardwalk limited edition revealed
News
9 Dec 2020

MINI Countryman Boardwalk limited edition revealed

Only 325 Boardwalk Editions will be produced, boasting exclusive styling updates and extra kit
Skip advert
Advertisement
Facelifted 2020 MINI Countryman: John Cooper Works launched
2020 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works cornering
News
22 Jul 2020

Facelifted 2020 MINI Countryman: John Cooper Works launched

Styling tweaks and 302bhp JCW model for updated MINI Countryman range
Top 3 used plug-in hybrid family cars for £20,000
Tips and advice
5 Jun 2020

Top 3 used plug-in hybrid family cars for £20,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I’ve got £20,000 to spend on a family car, and I want a plug-in hybrid. What would you recommend?”
302bhp MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman - front cornering
News
14 May 2019

302bhp MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman

Latest JCW models get more power and will be on sale in July
Top 3 used plug-in hybrid SUVs for £28,000
Tips and advice
20 Dec 2018

Top 3 used plug-in hybrid SUVs for £28,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I’m after a plug-in hybrid SUV without a premium price tag. What options are out there for £28,000?”
New MINI trim levels
News
10 Oct 2018

New MINI trim levels

Shakeup of MINI's model range to make line-up easier to understand
Suzuki Vitara hybrid on its way
2018 Suzuki Vitara front
News
19 Sep 2018

Suzuki Vitara hybrid on its way

Suzuki will introduce electrification to its range in the coming years, starting with the Vitara SUV
Skip advert
Advertisement
New MINI SUV expected in 2021
News
12 Dec 2017

New MINI SUV expected in 2021

An electrified small MINI SUV is set to rival Nissan Juke
Skoda Kodiaq tops latest Euro NCAP crash test results
News
31 May 2017

Skoda Kodiaq tops latest Euro NCAP crash test results

The Skoda Kodiaq and MINI Countryman Euro NCAP crash-test results are in, along with the Nissan Micra and Suzuki Swift
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mini Countryman for 11 February launch
News
25 Oct 2016

New Mini Countryman for 11 February launch

Biggest-ever MINI SUV gets new engines, better agility, more technology, more space and hybrid power for the first time
MINI Countryman SUV (2010-2016)
In-depth reviews
11 Apr 2016

MINI Countryman SUV (2010-2016)

"The MINI Countryman isn't the most practical crossover in the world, but it's fun to drive and quite cheap to run."
MINI launches 4x4 Countryman Park Lane
News
2 Mar 2015

MINI launches 4x4 Countryman Park Lane

New all-wheel-drive model will be on sale in July
New MINI Paceman launched
News
19 Apr 2014

New MINI Paceman launched

Styling and interior updates for new MINI Paceman 2014 crossover

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024