With the MINI Cooper SE on sale for a few years now it was only a matter of time before its big brother, the Countryman, got the electric treatment.

EXTERIOR

For 2025 the MINI has gone all future retro in its styling. Where the previous Countryman was a softer jelly bean of a design, the all-new Countryman looks as if someone from the future tried to design an older car. More than being larger in several dimensions, it’s now boxier, with sharp angular lines all around.

The C-pillar has been redesigned to accommodate a steeper and straighter roof line. As an electric vehicle (EV) there’s no large grille opening — the only real clue to its powertrain — just more of the square-jawed visual theme.

Pushing things further is the delightful take on the MINI’s signature lighting. In front, the headlight shape can be changed from a menu in the infotainment, and so too can the rears; however, they have a low-resolution digital display take on their Union Jack-inspired appearance. Like a lot of MINIs, customisation is a large part of its charm. Yet, one thing can be said: In a sea of SUVs, the Countryman’s a standout.

INTERIOR

Once again, a designer of the future took the original MINI cabin and ran it through an AI filter. For those worried about the increase of screens in modern cars, the Countryman’s cure for that is one centrally mounted 240mm diameter OLED screen that displays everything. Of course, it works, not only in conjunction with the car’s overall visual motif, but with the operation of the vehicle. It takes some getting used to, though its clarity and the speed of MINI OS 9 allow it to become second nature quickly. That leaves the dashboard to mimic an art installation. During the day, the fabric covering it imparts a different look and feel. At night, depending on the driving mode, light patterns grace its textured surface. It doesn’t stop there. It won’t be hard to notice the small strip of fabric that makes up one of the spokes of the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The air vents are vertical. The central storage has a fun take on the subject. Even with these updates, there remain physical shortcut buttons for important controls.

MINI has always pushed itself as a premium choice in its segment. The high-quality feel of the surfaces and switchgear is matched by the suite of technology available. For drivers in their comfortable supportive sporty seats there’s a Head-Up display. For all the newfound space equals plenty of space and storage for both human and inanimate cargo. Major functions are powered or automated. Niceties such as wireless changing are available. Day or night the Countryman is an even further pleasure to be in due to the panoramic roof and the ambient light respectively.

The fun factor is accented by features like Spike, the voice assistant represented by an onscreen cartoon digital dog, and the experiences that replace driving modes. Switch to Go-Kart, their equivalent of SPORT mode, and the car gives a video game-like yell.

ON THE ROAD

The Countryman might be larger but, like the Cooper, the move to EV hasn’t affected it when the pedal hits the metal. The instant 364lb/ft of torque from the two electric motors, which also deliver all-wheel drive, will see 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. This means zero wait for any holes in Corporate Area traffic. Proboxes be aware. Total horsepower is 313 from a 66.45kWh battery. With fast charging up to 130kW, the Countryman can be back at 80 per cent of its 433km range in under 30 minutes.

The chassis and suspension work in perfect harmony: Soft enough to be compliant and not disrupt the intended line or its occupants with the general unpleasantness of the Jamaican road surface beneath its wheels. The extra weight has no impact on handling since it’s all low down in the body, so handling continues to be direct.

On the opposite side of the throttle, the combined refinement of the MINI platform and the EV drivetrain results in a quiet comfortable ride at urban speeds.

For those who might question EVs, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 easily answers many of those questions. Already a fun-to-drive and refined machine, the speed on tap, handling due to a lower centre of gravity, and the lack of the harshness, vibration, and noise of a gasoline motor lift the experience even further.