The new 2024 Mini Countryman is electric, bigger and less, well… Minier? Not just in size but in looks. The headlights are square, not round, and the proportions are distinctly SUV. However, from the wing mirrors to the rounded black roof and the JCW badging, not to mention go-faster stripes (not normally found on a family car) it is at least sprinkled with Mini flavouring.
Though you might choke on the seasoning when you see the price tag, starting at £46,600 but weighing in at £56,200 for the car tested, and you’ll want the bits this thing had fitted. Plus if we’re talking weight, this is a two-ton Mini. You do get a useful 251 miles of range, or as much as 305 miles when negotiating city traffic with an efficiency rate of 3.4 miles/kWh. And it’s as quick as sports cars of old, boasting 0-62mph acceleration in 5.6 seconds.
Under the bonnet, the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 boasts twin-motor all-wheel drive, with 225kW (302bhp) and 494Nm of torque. Keep your foot down and the relentless acceleration (there’s even a Boost mode) will push you at the horizon until the torque tumbles by which time you’ll be around the 112mph top speed mark.
There’s a fun soundtrack to accompany the performance, so you don’t have to worry about awkward silences as your passengers grip the grab handles in fear. Chuck it through the corners and it’ll hold on like a wannabe Mini, keeping things tighter than you’d expect for your brood’s minibus. More engaging than you’d expect too – is that a grin I detect on your face? Oh and eDrive Exterior Sound will alert pedestrians to your keen progress.
The ride is comfortable, absorbing bumps and rough roads with ease and frankly slightly above par for EVs. The regenerative braking system takes getting used to but quickly becomes intuitive, providing strong deceleration.
The driving assist features, including adaptive cruise control and parking assistant plus, make for a stress-free driving experience, particularly in urban settings. The head-up display and sat-nav system ensure you stay informed and on course.
Whether you agree with the design direction or not, there’s no denying it’s a good-looking thing, with some strong features that keep it distinctive. You might want the big wheels of the test car, but the 20-inch JCW wheels are a £600 option. The black roof and rear roof spoiler are like it’s wearing a baseball cap backwards, which is just so Mini. And the John Cooper Works (JCW) branding adds a touch of performance pedigree, enhancing its appeal.
Up front, it boasts a textured grille and a central single nose, a protruding panel which initially I figured was the nostril you stuck the charging cable into, but I now realise I have no idea what it is.
Inside, the Countryman SE ALL4 JCW EV does not disappoint. The cabin is a blend of practicality and fun features, especially with the Level 3 Pack (£5300) which includes comfort access, a panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, and a high-speed charging system. The JCW sports seats and steering wheel from the Sport Pack (£3700) add to the sporty feel, while features like the Harman/Kardon stereo, wireless phone charging, and head-up display elevate the driving experience.
There are motifs and patterned trim dotted around the cabin, and a canvas strap stretched from the steering boss to the wheel with stripes on it – c’mon that’s cool! Additionally, you’ll find a backwards-opening little cubby box with a pull strap that looks exquisite new but will stain quickly, but you’ll want it anyway. Truly you crave all of this extraneous stuff; it’s a Mini after all. No one wants a plain Mini. So be prepared to stretch out your leasing deal to cover the extras.
Mini has tried to make this model as practical as it is stylish. The rear seats offer adequate legroom, though taller passengers might find it slightly cramped. The boot space is pretty generous and versatile, with three-way split-folding seats and additional storage for the pesky cables. The panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel more spacious and airy, a welcome feature for long journeys.
The 2024 Mini Countryman is a compelling option for young families looking to transition to electric driving without compromising on style, performance, or practicality. It manages to stay true to Mini’s playful and distinctive character traits while being serious about its green credentials. Although it comes with a premium price tag, the wealth of standard and optional features justifies the cost, or at least that’s what you’ll tell yourself when you’ve got conscientious sprogs and need to grow up, and out of a Mini hatchback.
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