Portugal is, in some methods, BMW’s second house because the Bavarians ceaselessly choose this stunning nation for worldwide media occasions. Portugal’s attraction, characterised by its wonderful climate, beautiful landscapes, scrumptious meals, and pleasant individuals, makes it a major alternative for automotive press check drives. In a current occasion held in Lisbon, BMW and MINI showcased an in depth lineup of autos for me to assessment over two days. I’ve beforehand reviewed the BMW X2 M35i and iX2, in addition to the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works. In the present day, we are going to have a look 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 electrical crossover.

The 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4: A Full Redesign

The 2025 MINI Countryman (chassis code U25) has been fully redesigned from the bottom up, showcasing a stark transformation from its predecessor in each facet, together with its exterior and inside. Now manufactured by BMW in Germany, as a substitute of VDL Nedcar in The Netherlands, this third-generation mannequin marks a contemporary begin, particularly with the introduction of the first-ever electrical variant. Constructed alongside the BMW iX1 and iX2 in Regensburg, the brand new Countryman SE makes use of the identical front-wheel drive structure as its BMW brothers, so the efficiency and vary is sort of related.

A lot bigger than the mannequin it changed, the revamped Countryman stretches 4433 mm (174.5 in) lengthy, 1843 mm (72.6 in) broad, and 1656 mm (65.2 in) tall. After all, it weighs fairly a bit – round 2,000 kilograms (4400 lbs). The Countryman JCW is about  600 kilos lighter. A few of that weight penalty comes from a 66.45-kWh battery pack which is rated at round 245 miles on the EPA customary. The design philosophy, aptly named “Charismatic Simplicity,” provides the Countryman a contemporary but acquainted look. This design evolution isn’t only for aesthetics; it additionally has useful advantages. The smoother surfaces contribute to a considerably improved drag coefficient, decreasing it from 0.31 to 0.26, which boosts total effectivity.

Powertrain Choices and Charging Pace

The 2025 MINI Countryman electrical provides two distinct powertrain choices, catering to totally different driving preferences and existence. It begins with a 204 horsepower variant and it goes as much as 313 horsepower and 363 lb-ft of torque within the SE ALL4. Each powertrains assist quick charging at as much as 130 kW, permitting drivers to recharge from 10% to 80% capability in beneath half-hour. Sadly, this was not venue to check the vary and charging velocity, however we are going to sooner or later. There may be additionally an onboard AC charger able to charges as much as 22 kW. The bottom possibility is 11 kW although.

A Distinctive Driving Expertise

This media occasion targeted completely on the driving expertise, and having comparable merchandise accessible for testing was fairly uncommon. Traditionally, there was some cross-shopping between BMW and MINI crossovers, a development which will grow to be much more important with the introduction of this new vary of autos, primarily as a result of they provide related driving experiences. Having pushed a BMW iX2 just some hours earlier, I used to be eager to find how the driving character of the MINI distinguishes itself from the BMW front-wheel drive expertise.

Let me start by saying, even on the danger of unveiling the entire assessment upfront, the brand new electrical MINI Countryman SE is excellent! Initially, I used to be certain that the Countryman John Cooper Works would seize my coronary heart, but it surely turned out to be the SE ALL4 that really impressed me. As talked about in my assessment of the JCW, whereas I just like the sound of its exhaust and engine, the B48 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo doesn’t fairly ship the efficiency wanted for a car of this dimension, leading to a driving expertise that was considerably extra sluggish than I desired.

Good Dealing with and Distinctive Driving Modes

In distinction, the Countryman SE feels energetic in any respect time, however particularly via tight bends. Because it’s customary with electrical autos, the moment torque is addictive whereas offering a seamless driving expertise with options like one-pedal driving in ‘B’ mode. As an lovers of single-pedal electrical car operation, I engaged the Countryman SE’s most potent regenerative setting, enhancing each effectivity and management.

Regardless of its heavier weight in comparison with the petrol-powered Countryman JCW, the SE maintains composure in corners, providing a greater steadiness. The adaptive suspension provides the crossover a sportier journey, whereas additionally rebounding properly on imperfect pavement.

The Countryman SE’s dynamics adapt in keeping with the chosen Expertise Mode, incorporating a novel Go-Kart Mode that enhances chassis agility, steering sharpness, and adjusts traction management. Similar to with its BMW counterparts, the driving/expertise modes completely change the character of the Countryman. In search of extra enjoyable and engagement? Flick into the Go-Kart Mode. Fancying some consolation in your every day commute? The Stability mode is there for you. In the event you’d wish to have some enjoyable together with your new Countryman SE, attempt switching the Expertise modes since they are going to set off a novel animation and sound every time.

At decrease speeds and in metropolis driving, the Countryman SE operates in close to silence. There isn’t a lot noise coming from the surface, regardless of rolling on giant tires. After all, the first sound you would possibly discover is the exterior audible tone designed to alert pedestrians – required by laws. Maneuvering via tight roads is easy as properly, and there have been loads of these round Cascais. The suspension works fantastically additionally on cobblestone roads absorbing the shocks properly and providing a really stress-free drive.

Feels Faster Than Marketed

0-60 appears to return faster than the marketed 5.6 seconds, particularly in overtaking conditions whenever you flooring the acceleration pedal. The ability switch can also be extraordinarily clean and there have been only a few conditions once I wished for extra energy and torque. The grip can also be nice, after all, because of the all-wheel drive system but additionally due to the broader and larger wheels – 20 inches in dimension.

The steering provides exact and correct suggestions, contemplating the car’s weight, supplying you with confidence when pushing the SE to its higher limits. The Countryman’s dealing with additionally improves at greater speeds, and as I mentioned, it’s addictive. Did I point out the electrical sounds? The brand new MINI OS9 infotainment system introduces distinct sounds for varied Expertise Modes, together with 30 new auditory indicators serving informational and warning functions. Raise off the acceleration and your MINI will put a smile in your face as properly.

However does it have the Go-Kart feeling? After all not and that’s to be anticipated contemplating the electrical drivetrain. The SE actually drives just like the iX1 and reveals all of the traits of electrical crossovers. So for those who’re on the lookout for the enduring MINI driving expertise, you’d be disenchanted. But, I nonetheless assume that is the higher Countryman matching completely the ability with the scale of the automotive.

Inside Design and Practicality

However it’s not simply in regards to the driving expertise. The Countryman’s design maximizes its inside house by eliminating the middle console and shifter. As an alternative, it options an non-compulsory Qi wi-fi charger for smartphones positioned beneath the toggle switches, accompanied by two giant, built-in cupholders. In the event you want extra cupholders – as a result of America – then you possibly can customise that middle storage space.

Most likely the largest criticism I’ve seen on-line is the shortage of leather-based in new MINIs. My tester got here with Vescin, a preferred leather-based different, aiming to match the feel and appear of the favored upholstery. There may be additionally a variety of various knitted materials which really look fairly cool, however will see how they stand the check of time. The second criticism is prone to come from the OS9 system. Based mostly on the Android Open Supply Undertaking (AOSP) framework, the system feels laggy at instances, just like what we’ve skilled with iDrive 9. I seen that this primarily happens throughout fast transitions between purposes and menus. MINI says a repair is in works and future over-the-air updates ought to enhance the responsiveness of the UI.

When it comes to practicality, the rear bench slides fore and aft by 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) and you may alter the backrests in six positions by as a lot as 12 levels. Standing at 6″2 (1.89m) tall, there’s ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder house behind my most well-liked driving place. With the rear seats in place, the Countryman provides a cargo quantity of 460 liters, expandable to 1,450 liters after folding the bench. To haul much more, an electrically operated non-compulsory trailer hitch can be utilized to tow as much as 1,200 kilograms. Beneath the boot flooring lies a handy house for storing charging cables, so sure, no spare tire, as anticipated.

Made for America

Total, this new MINI Countryman, no matter its drivetrain, is a extra mature product than the outgoing variant. It contains a rugged and SUVish design which will definitely appease prospects in North America. Moreover, although the revamped crossover has an octagonal entrance grille just like the Cooper hatchback’s, the distinction here’s a built-in radar sensor to make the Countryman the primary MINI with Stage 2 help methods. The Driving Assistant Skilled permits drivers to momentarily take away their palms from the steering wheel at speeds as much as 37 mph (60 km/h), supplied they proceed to observe the highway.

Ought to I Purchase One?

Set for a launch in March, the 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is priced at $45,200. This positions it as a extra reasonably priced electrical SUV possibility throughout the BMW Group in the US, in comparison with the $87,000 BMW iX, doubtlessly attracting BMW prospects to the brand new MINI mannequin. Whereas it’s nice that the Countryman JCW continues to be accessible for buy, given the same pricing, my private choice leans in the direction of including the brand new MINI Countryman SE mannequin to my assortment.