Review: 2024 MINI Countryman SE - A unique, quick and fun-to-drive EV in a sea of serious contenders

Let’s face it, the EV landscape in Malaysia is exploding in 2024. From budget-friendly choices to ultra-luxurious electric sedans, there’s something for every type of buyer. But here’s the thing: while most EVs might tick the boxes for practicality or performance, they often miss out on that fun, quirky factor—something that makes you smile just by looking at it or turning the wheel. Enter the all-electric MINI Countryman SE All4.

This isn’t just another EV. Oh no. This is an electric vehicle with character—oodles of it. If you’ve ever thought driving an EV meant sacrificing fun for sustainability, the Countryman SE is here to shake up your expectations.

More Space, More Power, More MINI

Let’s start with the essentials. Priced from RM258,888, the MINI Countryman SE comes packed with dual electric motors, churning out a hearty 313 PS and 494 Nm of torque. That’s enough grunt to send this compact SUV flying from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds—quicker than even its more BMW cousin, the BMW iX1.

But this isn’t just about straight-line speed. MINI’s renowned go-kart-like handling is alive and well here, offering a drive that’s as exciting as it is nimble, especially for an electric car. Sure there’s a bit of understeer when you push it a little, but for most that’ll consider buying the all-electric Countryman, the handling should provide confidence when on spirited runs. 

What makes the Countryman SE even more intriguing is the power you get for such a relatively compact size. Sure, it’s grown in stature (it’s 130 mm longer than its predecessor), but this gives it a much-needed boost in practicality. The added 22 mm to its wheelbase means more room for passengers, and the boot space has increased to 460 litres, expandable to 1,350 litres. No more complaints about tight interiors like the previous model. This MINI Countryman is bigger, better, and ready to carry more of your stuff on those spontaneous road trips.

Quirky Design Meets Tech Marvels

The exterior of the all-electric MINI Countryman SE is nothing short of a head-turner in our opinion, embodying that signature MINI personality with a bolder, more adventurous twist. Its quirky squared-off LED headlights, framed by perimeter daytime running lights, give the car an unmistakable, wide-eyed expression, like it's ready for whatever fun the road throws at it.

The large hexagonal grille and beefy fender flares inject just the right amount of attitude, while the flush pull-up door handles and funky “matrix” LED taillights scream modern minimalism. And then there’s that cheeky C-pillar trim, dipping down from the roofline, adding a dash of rebellious flair to the design.

Perched on striking 20-inch Windmill Spoke alloy wheels, the Countryman SE confidently struts its stuff—urban sophistication meets rugged adventurer, with a healthy dose of MINI’s signature charm. Practical? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

Step inside, and it’s instantly clear that this isn’t your average EV cabin. The wraparound dashboard is draped in houndstooth fabric—Dark Petrol, to be specific—and it’s both retro and modern at the same time. The semi fabric-covered interior? Now that’s a bold choice, but in true MINI fashion, it just works. There’s also something about toggling those signature MINI switches, too, that feels delightfully analog in a world gone digital.

And speaking of digital, the centerpiece of the dashboard is a stunning 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that’s pure eye candy. It’s your hub for everything—air-con, navigation, even a dog avatar named Spike that pops up when you say, “Hey MINI.” The whole thing runs on MINI’s Android-based Operating System 9, which is smooth, intuitive, and filled with personality.

While the system in its BMW cousins can feel overly complex and cluttered, the MINI’s interface exudes a playful simplicity, as if it was crafted by designers who understand that sometimes, less truly is more. But the fun doesn’t stop there. With driving modes that project patterns onto the dashboard, a 360-degree camera system, and the MINI Digital Key Plus (which allows your smartphone to be your key), this Countryman SE is more than just a pretty face. It’s a tech-lover’s dream.

Driving Pleasure with a Side of Adrenaline

MINI fans, rejoice! The Countryman SE keeps that famous go-kart handling intact, but this time it’s backed by the instant torque of an electric motor. The ride is more balanced than before, absorbing bumps like a champ while keeping things tight and responsive when you throw it into a corner. It’s the kind of car that begs you to floor it—and that’s exactly the problem.

With 313 PS at your disposal, it’s hard to resist putting your foot down at every opportunity. The downside? Range. While MINI claims a respectable WLTP-rated range of 432 km, we only managed to squeeze about 400 km out of a full charge, but to be honest, that’s good enough. That’s the trade-off for fun, I suppose. But with the ability to charge from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes using a 130 kW DC fast charger, it’s not exactly a dealbreaker.

What about its safety and convenience features?

Having spent some time behind the wheel of the MINI Countryman SE, I can confidently say it’s not just about the style and performance—it truly delivers when it comes to safety and convenience features too. The Driving Assistant Plus package is more than just a list of fancy terms; you really feel it working in harmony with your drive.

On the highway, the adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality felt smooth and responsive, while the lane centering assist quietly kept me right where I needed to be without feeling intrusive. 

In the city, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition were like having an extra set of eyes, always keeping me aware of my surroundings. And when it came time to park in one of those tight, tricky spots? The Parking Assistant Professional made me look like a pro.

I never tried this, but the remote parking via the smartphone app and the Reversing Assistant could step in if you misjudged an angle, it was as easy as pressing a button. The 360-degree camera with Remote 3D View is great, giving me a full picture of the area around the car, making even the smallest of parking spaces a breeze. Whether weaving through city traffic or cruising down the highway, the Countryman SE takes the stress out of driving, all while keeping that MINI charm alive.

 

The Best MINI You Can Buy, If You Care About EVs

There’s no denying it—the all-electric MINI Countryman SE is one of the most fun, quirky, and engaging EVs on the market right now. With its signature design touches, punchy performance, and tech-packed interior, it’s got all the ingredients of a great MINI.

But here’s the catch: it’s still an EV, and while that’s a selling point for some, it’s a hurdle for others. Many will overlook this little gem simply because it’s electric. And that’s a shame, because they’ll never know just how enjoyable this MINI truly is. For those willing to take the leap into the electric future, though, the Countryman SE is an EV that doesn’t compromise on fun.

In a world filled with serious, practical EV options, the MINI Countryman SE stands out as a playful, spirited alternative—one that’ll make you grin every time you hit the accelerator.

MINI Countryman SE Specifications

• Drivetrain: Twin Motors ALL4
• Power output: 313 PS
• Torque: 494Nm
• Seats: 5 
• 0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds
• Battery: 66.5kWh
• Range: 400 km
• AC charging rate: 22 kW
• DC charging rate: 130 kW
• DC charging speed: 10-80% SoC in 30 minutes
• Price: RM 258,888