Portugal is, in some methods, BMW’s second residence because the Bavarians often choose this lovely nation for worldwide media occasions. Portugal’s attraction, characterised by its wonderful climate, gorgeous landscapes, scrumptious meals, and pleasant folks, makes it a primary alternative for automotive press check drives. In a latest occasion held in Lisbon, BMW and MINI showcased an intensive lineup of automobiles 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. At this time, 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 utterly redesigned from the bottom up, showcasing a stark transformation from its predecessor in each side, 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 kind of comparable.

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. In fact, 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 normal. 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, reducing it from 0.31 to 0.26, which boosts total effectivity.

Powertrain Choices and Charging Velocity

The 2025 MINI Countryman electrical provides two distinct powertrain choices, catering to completely 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 help 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 choice is 11 kW although.

A Distinctive Driving Expertise

This media occasion centered solely 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 turn out to be much more vital with the introduction of this new vary of automobiles, primarily as a result of they provide comparable 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, however it turned out to be the SE ALL4 that actually 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 automobile of this measurement, 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 by means of tight bends. Because it’s customary with electrical automobiles, 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 automobile 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 trip, whereas additionally rebounding properly on imperfect pavement.

The Countryman SE’s dynamics adapt in accordance with the chosen Expertise Mode, incorporating a singular Go-Kart Mode that enhances chassis agility, steering sharpness, and adjusts traction management. Identical to with its BMW counterparts, the driving/expertise modes completely change the character of the Countryman. On the lookout for extra enjoyable and engagement? Flick into the Go-Kart Mode. Fancying some consolation in your day by day commute? The Steadiness mode is there for you. When you’d wish to have some enjoyable together with your new Countryman SE, strive switching the Expertise modes since they may set off a singular 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 massive tires. In fact, the first sound you may discover is the exterior audible tone designed to alert pedestrians – required by rules. Maneuvering by means of tight roads is easy as effectively, 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 enjoyable 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 facility switch can also be extraordinarily easy and there have been only a few conditions after I wished for extra energy and torque. The grip can also be nice, in fact, due to the all-wheel drive system but in addition due to the broader and greater wheels – 20 inches in measurement.

The steering provides exact and correct suggestions, contemplating the automobile’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 stated, it’s addictive. Did I point out the electrical sounds? The brand new MINI OS9 infotainment system introduces distinct sounds for numerous Expertise Modes, together with 30 new auditory alerts serving informational and warning functions. Carry off the acceleration and your MINI will put a smile in your face as effectively.

However does it have the Go-Kart feeling? In fact not and that’s to be anticipated contemplating the electrical drivetrain. The SE definitely drives much like the iX1 and displays all of the traits of electrical crossovers. So if you happen to’re searching for the long-lasting MINI driving expertise, you’d be disenchanted. But, I nonetheless suppose that is the higher Countryman matching completely the facility with the dimensions of the automotive.

Inside Design and Practicality

Nevertheless it’s not simply concerning the driving expertise. The Countryman’s design maximizes its inside house by eliminating the middle console and shifter. As a substitute, it options an non-obligatory Qi wi-fi charger for smartphones positioned under the toggle switches, accompanied by two massive, built-in cupholders. When you want extra cupholders – as a result of America – then you’ll be able to customise that middle storage space.

In all probability the largest grievance I’ve seen on-line is the shortage of leather-based in new MINIs. My tester got here with Vescin, a well-liked leather-based various, 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 grievance is more likely to come from the OS9 system. Primarily based on the Android Open Supply Mission (AOSP) framework, the system feels laggy at occasions, much like what we’ve skilled with iDrive 9. I seen that this primarily happens throughout speedy 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’ll modify 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-obligatory 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

General, this new MINI Countryman, no matter its drivetrain, is a extra mature product than the outgoing variant. It incorporates a rugged and SUVish design which will definitely appease clients in North America. Moreover, despite the fact that the revamped crossover has an octagonal entrance grille much like the Cooper hatchback’s, the distinction here’s a built-in radar sensor to make the Countryman the primary MINI with Degree 2 help programs. The Driving Assistant Skilled permits drivers to momentarily take away their arms 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 inexpensive electrical SUV choice inside the BMW Group in america, in comparison with the $87,000 BMW iX, doubtlessly attracting BMW clients to the brand new MINI mannequin. Whereas it’s nice that the Countryman JCW remains 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.