Now in its third generation, the MINI Countryman is offered for the first time with choice of a fully electric or combustion powertrain.
The electric version comes with two performance levels – E and SE ALL4, while the combustion powered Countryman is available in three levels – C, S ALL4 and JCW ALL4 model.
Customers in Ireland have the choice of three highly specified trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport with first deliveries taking place in February 2024.
The Classic trim presents the logo in new colour Vibrant Silver, and a range of three external paint finishes (Melting Silver, Midnight Black and Nanuq White ), two roof colour options and three wheel options.
The Exclusive trim adds additional exterior design elements, such as the option for a Multitone Roof with a combination of six different colours, as well as offering the front grille in Vibrant Silver to match the MINI logo.
Finally, the Sport trim offers a distinctive front and rear design including redesigned front bumper, rear bumper, side skirt and spoiler while using high-gloss black as the frame for the front grille and logo colour.
According to MINI, the all-electric Countryman can be charged via two ways; 22 kW AC charging optionally and 130 kW DC charging, where the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes at a fast-charging station.
By using the MINI Navigation, the vehicle will ensure the high-voltage battery reaches the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance, thus reducing charging time. Customers can also optimise charging for their schedule, setting charging start times, active charging windows, and target battery capacity by departure time. Finally, drivers can instruct that the interior cabin is air conditioned by a set departure time.
The new Countryman is said by MINI to have an increased track width and wheelbase, with a tuned suspension and damping system for precise handling. Combined with powerful brakes, low centre of gravity, a strut brace and highly preloaded stabiliser mounts on the axles, the vehicle offers improved body response and steering precision.
In addition to Automatic Active Cruise Control, the new MINI Countryman supports lateral guidance with steering and lane assistant, available optionally as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package. This package includes a new function that helps the driver take the right exit based on semi-automated Level 2 driving; using the vehicle sensors and other assistance systems, the assistant detects gaps in the traffic necessary for the lane change towards the exit, while ensuring the vehicle is travelling at the right speed for the assisted lane change.
For the first time, the MINI Countryman offers semi-automated driving at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Up to this speed, MINI states that the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel, providing keep their eyes on the road and are actively ready to steer and brake at all times. All options offered by the advanced driver assistant systems are visualised in real time by means of Assisted View on the OLED display.
Alongside automatic parking functions and 360-degree Parking View, the new MINI Countryman is also said to be able to identify possible parking spaces, thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras. The vehicle can also independently initiate space-restricted parking procedures and if there is insufficient room at the side of the vehicle, the car will use this function to drive out the parking space autonomously, making it easier for the driver to get in.
Finally, as part of the optional Parking Assistant Professional package, the vehicle can be manoeuvred out of a parking space via smartphone using the new Remote Parking function.
