Redesigned MINI Cooper, Countryman Go Electric First
Looking for a fun little car? MINI is always a top name to consider, of course—from the tiny MINI 3 Door hatchback to the not-so-small MINI Countryman subcompact crossover. As we saw during their global debuts in recent weeks, both of these vehicles are introducing a new generation that will go on sale in Canada sometime in 2024.
While conventionally powered models will stick around for a while, the company is focusing on its electric alternatives from now on. In case you don’t know, the entire MINI lineup is slated to become emission-free by the end of the decade.
Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
2025 MINI Cooper SE
From a design standpoint, the electric MINI marks a subtle evolution. The body looks cleaner and sharper, the roof now incorporates panoramic glass, and the new wheels look super cool. The rear-end treatment is totally different, mind you, with trapezoidal taillights that are fully integrated to the liftgate but still carrying the Union Jack motif.
The interior layout is much more modern and more upscale. You can see it with the selection of rich and sustainable materials, as well as the elimination of several controls, but most importantly the 9.5-inch round OLED touchscreen powered by MINI’s new infotainment system. The latter doubles as an instrument cluster since there’s no more physical panel in front of the steering wheel, just a head-up display.
There’s a choice of nine distinct display modes that transform not only the way in which information is arranged on the screen, but also the general ambience in the cabin. Oh, and let’s not forget the new virtual assistant that responds to the command “Hey MINI” and can take the form of cute little dog named Spike.
Two different configurations will be available globally including Cooper E and Cooper SE. We bet only the latter will come to Canada, featuring a more powerful motor that delivers 215 horsepower instead of 181 horsepower, as well as increased battery capacity—up from 32.6 kWh to 54.2 kWh. Maximum range should be around 275 km, or maybe more, representing a significant improvement from the current NRC-rated 183 km. Also, look for sharper handling thanks to wider tires and recalibrated steering.
2025 MINI Countryman
The second-generation Countryman gains size, power and content. Standing 13 cm longer and 6 cm taller than its predecessor, it sports wider wheel arches along with a C-pillar treatment that differs according to the vehicle trim and is based on one of the four available roof colours. The headlights are no longer in a round shape, which might not please everybody, but overall, the car looks quite distinctive and futuristic.
The interior offers more space and versatility than before. The dashboard and door panels are covered with woven textile surfaces and coordinated with eight different MINI Experience Modes: these maximize the options for customizing the interior by means of light projections, a configurable user interface and new powertrain sounds. The centre display and infotainment system are identical to what we talked about earlier.
Customers will have a choice of gas and fully electric models (the plug-in hybrid is not returning). In the AWD-equipped Countryman SE ALL4, the 308 horsepower allow 0-100 km/h sprints in 5.6 seconds, while range is estimated at 433 km according to the WLTP standard—more realistically 300 km in North America, which would be much shorter than a Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona Electric. As for driving dynamics, the extra weight could be a concern. We’ll know for sure when we get a chance to take the new Countryman for a spin.
