BMW has announced the latest generation of the Mini Countryman, which will be available with a purely electric drive and all-wheel drive for the first time in a Mini brand car. The Countryman shares its platform and drive technology with the BMW X1 and iX1, with the iX1 debuting initially as an all-wheel drive vehicle.
The Countryman SE ALL4 is expected to generate up to 230 kW with a temporary boost, matching the output of the iX1. The weaker version, called the Countryman E, will only feature a single electric motor producing 140 kW, although it is not clear whether the motor will drive the front or rear axle.
The electric Countryman will use the same 64.7 kWh battery as the iX1, but BMW estimates that the Countryman will have an approximate range of 450 kilometres.
See also: BMW unveils all-electric iX1 for European market, range up to 439 km
The new Countryman will be longer, at 4.43 metres, and higher, at 1.61 metres, than the previous model, providing more space and comfort for occupants. The body’s additional length will require a larger parking space, and the higher body is primarily designed to increase headroom.
Production of the new Mini Countryman will start in November 2023 at the BMW plant in Leipzig. BMW is keen to emphasize that production will be as environmentally friendly as possible. The light alloy cast wheels will contain up to 70 per cent secondary aluminium, and they will be manufactured with green electricity. Many surfaces in the interior will also be made of recycled materials, such as recycled polyester obtained from PET bottles and carpet remnants.
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“BMW is excited to announce the latest generation of the Mini Countryman,” said a BMW spokesperson. “This is the first Mini brand car to offer both all-wheel drive and a purely electric drive, and we are confident that it will appeal to a wide range of customers. We are proud that the production process will be as environmentally friendly as possible, with recycled materials and green electricity used wherever possible.
