Measuring 4,433 millimeters (174.5 inches) long, 1,843 mm wide (72.5 in), and 1,656 mm (65.1 in) tall, the new-generation Countryman will make its public debut alongside the new Mini Cooper EV at this year’s IAA Munich starting on September 5.
The electrified third-generation crossover is 130 mm (5 in) longer and 60 mm (2 in) taller than its predecessor, and it will be available in two power levels: Countryman E, which has a WLTP-rated range of 462 kilometers (287 miles) and is motivated by a front-mounted electric motor that makes 150 kW/204 hp and 250 Newton-meters (184 pound-feet) of torque, and Countryman SE ALL4.
The more powerful version offers a WLTP range of 433 km (269 miles) and comes with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that’s good for a combined 230 kW/313 hp and 494 Nm (364 lb-ft) of torque.
In terms of batteries, the official press release doesn't mention the capacity of either version, but earlier teasers mentioned a 54 kilowatt-hour pack for the Countryman E and a 64 kWh pack for the Countryman SE ALL4. However, the document does mention charging rates, with both variants accepting up to 22 kW of AC power and up to 130 kW on a DC fast charger.
The entry-level vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h (105 mph), while the more potent model can sprint to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and top out at 180 km/h (111 mph).
Compared to its smaller Mini Cooper counterparts, which can only accept up to 11 kW of AC power and a maximum of 95 kW when connected to a DC fast charger in the case of the Cooper SE, the electric Countryman fares better.
At the front, the new-generation crossover features a new octagonal grille that integrates a small radar sensor used for the vehicle's Level 2 driver assistance systems, as well as configurable LED daytime running lights that offer up to three light signatures, similar to the new Mini Cooper.
A redesigned, distinctive C-pillar, with different shapes depending on the trim level selected, dominates the side profile, closely followed by up to 20-inch wheels, while the rear features flush tail lights.
Like the all-new Mini Cooper, the 2024 Countryman features a curved dashboard with textile-trimmed surfaces on some trim levels and a round 9.44-inch (240 mm) center OLED screen that displays everything from driving speed to navigation information and battery status.
Running the new Mini Operating System 9, the Countryman can accept voice commands via the “Hey Mini” greeting or by using the push-to-talk steering wheel button that brings up the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant.
With seating for five people, the crossover can be specced with a split panoramic glass roof, while the rear row of seats can be adjusted in length by up to 130 mm (5 in), which can either increase the legroom for rear passengers or increase the luggage space in the trunk.
Mini says that with the rear backrest in its normal position, the cargo volume of the trunk is rated at 460 liters, a figure that can be increased to 1,450 liters by folding the rear seats. Additionally, there’s a second-floor compartment where the charging accessories that come with the car can be stored.
An optional trailer that can be electrically retracted and extended is available, offering a towing capacity of up to 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds).
Four trim levels will be offered for the new all-electric Countryman, identical to what the Mini Cooper gets: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW.
The base Essential Trim comes with black sports seats covered in patterned multitone textiles, the Classic Trim replaces the two-spoke basic steering wheel with a three-spoke version with a new textile strap in the six o’clock spoke, while the Favoured Trim brings a Dark Petrol finish to the dashboard and door panels, as well as sports seats with accent stitching and embroidered Mini logo.
The JCW trim, not to be confused with the yet-to-be-announced Countryman John Cooper Works, is the most sporty of all variants and includes version-specific sports seats with improved lateral support, upholstered in multicolored woven fabric and black synthetic leather with red stitching.
Production of the third-generation Mini Countryman will begin later this year at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, Germany, around the same time as the Chinese-built Mini Cooper EV. The two models will be joined by the Aceman crossover, which will debut in April 2024.
The new Countryman is also available with gasoline and diesel engines. However, the previously offered plug-in hybrid version will no longer be available.
Source: Mini