As we inch closer to the reveal of the latest Mini Countryman, the British brand has shared some exciting new details about the all-electric newcomer. Two models will be made available at launch, with the Countryman E delivering 188 horsepower. Like the existing Cooper Electric, we assume this model will be front-wheel drive.
An SE ALL4 will arrive as Mini's first all-wheel drive, fully-electric road vehicle. Fitted with two highly integrated drive units (one on either axle), the SE ALL4 produces a decidedly potent 308 hp, which includes a temporary power boost. Thanks to the 64.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the manufacturer claims an estimated range of 280 miles.
This has most likely been calculated by WLTP standards, and we expect EPA ratings to be slightly lower.
The most practical Mini has grown in size and is now 5.1 inches longer than the existing model, which measures 169.7 inches from end to end. It's also taller by approximately 2.4 inches, which provides more headroom.
Mini has made sure the new Countryman is as eco-friendly as possible. Aside from the electric drivetrain, the crossover does away with "all decorative elements" inside and out, while the cast-light alloy wheels will be manufactured with 70% secondary aluminum.
Recently, the automaker revealed the Cooper SE Convertible, a special edition limited to just 999 units. This model featured unique alloy wheels made from fully-recycled materials, so it's great to see Mini bringing this idea to mass-produced vehicles.
Inside, it's a similar story. The headliner, steering wheel, dashboard, and even the floor mats have been made from recycled polyester that Mini has sourced from old carpets and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.
The British brand claims that this unique alternative can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 85% across the value chain.
Production of the new Countryman is scheduled to commence later this year at BMW's Leipzig plant in Germany. That makes the latest iteration of the crossover the first Mini to be built in Germany.
The BMW Group has invested a great deal in Plant Leipzig, transforming the factory into a sustainable facility. Four wind turbines have the potential to generate more than 20 GWh of electricity each year, and the energy they produce is stored in 700 second-life batteries from BMW i3s. By 2024, BMW will also expand its e-component production capacity with an additional eight assembly lines.
"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," said Stefanie Wurst, head of Mini, earlier this year.