Mini has unveiled a redesigned third-generation Countryman crossover set to hit the market as a 2025 model. The debut was accompanied by the introduction of a new generation Mini Cooper hatchback, both of which will be formally presented at the upcoming 2023 Munich auto show in Germany.
The updated Countryman takes an evolutionary approach, but one notable change is its larger size, a move aimed at attracting young families. This expansion in dimensions also enhances its appeal in the U.S. market and makes room in Mini’s lineup for the upcoming smaller, fully electric Aceman crossover.
In terms of measurements, the total length of the 2025 Mini Countryman has grown to 174 inches, an increase of 5.1 inches compared to its predecessor. The height has also risen by about 2.4 inches to reach 63.5 inches. The available storage space varies: with the rear seats in their standard position, it provides 16 cubic feet of room, while folding down the seats increases the capacity to 51 cubic feet.
An exciting development for the new Countryman is the inclusion of battery-electric powertrains. Mini offers two electric options: the base Countryman E with 188 horsepower and the sportier Countryman SE boasting 308 horsepower. The SE variant can accelerate to 62 mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds and features all-wheel drive, enabled by a dual-motor setup. The electric model employs a 64.7-kWh battery pack, which Mini claims will deliver an approximate range of 280 miles according to the WLTP test cycle used in international standards. It’s worth noting that the EPA test cycle, known for its strict criteria, may yield a slightly lower estimate.
While internal-combustion engines will still be available, Mini hasn’t confirmed whether a plug-in hybrid option will be offered, similar to the outgoing model. The internal-combustion range will encompass a base Countryman C with front-wheel drive, a mid-range Countryman SE with all-wheel drive, and a high-performance Countryman JCW, also equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine lineup is expected to carry over from the previous Countryman, comprising a 1.5-liter turbo-3 engine in the base model and 2.0-liter turbo-4 units in the SE and JCW models.
The towing capacity of the new Countryman is rated at 2,645 pounds.
Inside the cabin, the dashboard design departs from the traditional instrument cluster, opting instead to relocate essential driving information to the central circular infotainment screen. For those who prefer information directly in their line of sight, a head-up display option will be available. Textile surfaces can now be added to the dashboard, a first for Mini, in addition to the inclusion of sport seats and a panoramic glass roof.
Physical controls remain present on the steering wheel and a bar beneath the infotainment screen, which houses the gear selector and a toggle switch for different drive modes referred to as “Experiences” by Mini. A “Go-Kart” sport mode is also offered, accompanied by a voice assistant.
Safety features include electronic driver-assist systems, some of which are either standard or available as options. Notably, a new hands-free mode is introduced, designed for single-lane highway driving at speeds of up to 37 mph. However, drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times.
Mini’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design, as the company has minimized decorative elements like chrome and incorporated recycled materials into various components. Recycled polyester from PET bottles and old carpets is used for the surfaces of the dashboard, steering wheel, vehicle headliner, floor, and floor mats. Moreover, the alloy wheels, ranging up to 20 inches in diameter, utilize 70% recycled aluminum.
The production of the new Countryman will take place at BMW Group’s manufacturing plant in Leipzig, making it the first Mini to be assembled in Germany (the outgoing model was produced in the Netherlands). This facility is also responsible for producing the latest BMW 1-Series, 2-Series Active Tourer, and 2-Series Gran Coupe, all of which share the FAAR platform that underpins the new Countryman, including its electric variants. The FAAR platform represents an evolution of the UKL platform utilized by the previous model.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Redesigned Mini Countryman
What changes have been made to the 2025 Mini Countryman compared to the previous model?
The 2025 Mini Countryman has undergone a redesign with larger dimensions to target young families and boost its appeal in the U.S. market.
What is the size of the 2025 Mini Countryman?
The total length of the 2025 Mini Countryman has grown to 174 inches, an increase of 5.1 inches, while the height has also risen by about 2.4 inches to reach 63.5 inches.
Are there electric powertrains available for the 2025 Mini Countryman?
Yes, Mini now offers battery-electric powertrains for the first time in the Countryman lineup. There are two electric grades: the base Countryman E with 188 hp and the sportier Countryman SE with 308 hp.
What is the estimated range of the electric 2025 Mini Countryman?
The electric Countryman E is expected to have a range of about 280 miles according to the WLTP test cycle. However, the EPA test cycle used in the U.S. may yield a slightly lower estimate.
What other engine options are available for the 2025 Mini Countryman?
Internal-combustion engines are still available. Mini offers a base Countryman C with front-wheel drive, a mid-range Countryman SE with all-wheel drive, and a high-performance Countryman JCW, also with all-wheel drive.
What are the notable features inside the 2025 Mini Countryman’s cabin?
The dashboard design features a circular infotainment screen in the center that displays key driving information. A head-up display option is also available. Additionally, the cabin offers sport seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a voice assistant.
What safety and driver-assist features does the 2025 Mini Countryman include?
The 2025 Mini Countryman comes with electronic driver-assist features, including a new hands-free mode for single-lane highway driving at speeds of up to 37 mph. However, drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times.
How is sustainability integrated into the design of the 2025 Mini Countryman?
Mini has focused on sustainability by using recycled materials for various components, such as polyester sourced from PET bottles and old carpets for surfaces and 70% recycled aluminum for alloy wheels.
Where will the 2025 Mini Countryman be manufactured?
The production of the new Countryman will take place at BMW Group’s manufacturing plant in Leipzig, Germany. This marks the first time a Mini model will be assembled in Germany.
More about Redesigned Mini Countryman
- 2025 Mini Countryman Redesign and Specs
- Mini Cooper Hatchback 2025 Features
- 2023 Munich Auto Show Highlights
- Mini Countryman Electric Powertrain Details
- WLTP vs. EPA Test Cycles
- Mini Countryman Sustainability Initiatives
- BMW Leipzig Plant Production