Next-gen Mini Countryman teased; electric version also on cards

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW-owned luxury car brand Mini has teased the next-generation Countryman that is set to enter production later this year, at the BMW Group factory in Leipzig, Germany. The premium SUV will be offered in ICE and fully electric versions, making it the brand's second EV model to be launched, with the Cooper SE being the first.

Another thing that is noteworthy here is that the Countryman will be the first Mini car to be produced in Germany and will be built alongside the BMW 1 Series, BMW  2 Series Active Tourer, and 2 Series Gran Coupe. On the matter of the facility’s capacity, BMW Group says that it has expanded the e-component production lines in the factory with an investment of 800 million euros (approximately equal to RM 3.8 billion).

Coming back to the teaser, the camouflaged next-gen Countryman reveals an evolutionary look and a larger body compared to the predecessor. The silhouette also appears to have significant changes along with the revamped front grille, bumpers, headlights, tail lights, and wheels.

With an updated version of the current UKL2 platform underneath, the upcoming 2024 Mini Countryman could borrow a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the new BMW X1. The said engine generates a maximum power output of 241 horsepower.

The fully electric Countryman, on the other hand, is likely to get the drivetrain from the BMW iX1, which comprises two electric motors (one on each axle). It kicks out a maximum power of 272 hp along with a peak torque of 494 Nm. Also part of the setup is a 64.7-kWh battery pack, which allows the BMW iX1 to run for 438 km on a single charge.

"We are delighted to be able to hand over the first MINI "Made in Germany" to our customers in a CO2-neutral manner thanks to the plant's sustainable energy supply. In this way, the new all-electric MINI Countryman demonstrates what the brand stands for: electrified go-kart feeling and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint," said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

Also read: Auto Bavaria launches a new EV charging facility for MINI EVs