Mini Countryman 2024: new-gen SUV goes electric with 462km driving range

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Alongside the debut of the new Mini Cooper electric hatch at this year’s IAA Munich motor show, the small-car specialist also whipped the covers off its next-generation Countryman.

Unlike the Cooper, we hadn’t seen the new Countryman until today – and surprise: it’s available as a full EV, like its cousin under the skin, the BMW iX1.

The Countryman will be a clear competitor to its relation, plus the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Now in its third generation, the Countryman will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drive electric layouts, while thermal powertrains are expected later.

Single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD available

Fed by a 66.4kWh battery, the Countryman will be offered with a 150kW/250Nm single front motor in Cooper E trim.

But those seeking AWD grip can opt for much more powerful 230kW/494Nm configuration in dual-motor all-wheel drive SE ALL4 guise.

This puts the electric Countryman at identical levels of performance to the current iX1 xDrive30 – already on sale and reviewed in Australia.

The vehicles share the BMW UKL2 platform that supports electrification, hybridisation and thermal engines.

It’s also understood that the Countryman will be available with combustion variants going forward but details of petrol or hybrid models were not available today.

Local Australian information regarding the electric Mini Countryman is yet to be announced, however the model is expected to launch locally during 2024. 

What else should you know about the new Countryman?

Mini says the new Countryman has grown significantly over the old model and is now 130mm longer and 60mm taller than before.

It’s still a smaller vehicle than the BMW iX1, but at over 4400mm in length, the new Countryman brushes up against the smallest midsize SUVs.

No doubt that will lead to a resurgence of claims that the Countryman isn’t exactly mini.

Much like the new Cooper electric hatch, the Countryman also scores a brand-new exterior and a very different-looking interior, too.

Inside, the Countryman features the same prominent round central screen as the hatch which is 9.4-inches, or 240mm in diameter. 

For the first time, Mini has used textile surfaces across the interior which has also been incorporated for the hatch.