2024 Mini Countryman review: Electric and JCW petrol models

With an overall length of 4.44m, some might say that the car the Mini Countryman has evolved into for its third generation can’t truthfully wear a moniker like ‘mini’ any more.

But, say Mini executives, “people asked for a Mini with more room” and that’s exactly what the company has delivered in its new model. At the back, its boot has grown by as much as 52 litres for up to 505L (or 1530L with the rear seats folded), while seating for up to five adults is comfortable and spacious thanks to a wheelbase that now measures 2692mm.

But there’s much more to the new Countryman than sheer quantity, especially at the pointy end of the family. As before, a JCW version headlines the more conventional Countryman line-up.

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The JCW gets a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four with 233kW and 400Nm sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

It’s easy to forget this is the largest Mini to date when at the wheel, with a nimbleness and willingness to change direction that’s unusual in the little but not so little SUV realm. Its ride is firm but forgivable and a reasonable trade for excellent cornering grip and composed body control.

The real compromise, though, is likely in all-terrain ability. We weren’t given a chance to hit unsealed tracks or anything more serious – but Pirelli P Zero rubber on 20-inch wheels, no off-road specific hardware and a decidedly car-like ground clearance mean this SUV is most at home on asphalt, while the ‘country’ in its name is best enjoyed passing quickly through winding lanes.

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If you want the scenery to flash by even faster, a new Boost button is offered, switching the JCW into a particularly manic mode for 10 seconds. Buyers will likely love the raucous sound, the powerful brakes and balanced dynamics.

But, if performance and practicality are the Countryman’s reason for being, then the first electric version has probably stolen the JCW’s thunder – silently.

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Also arriving in Australia in the third quarter of 2024, the Countryman E and SE bring a choice of two battery powered versions.

A 150kW single-motor model opens the range from $64,990, but the SE gets two motors 230kW and only 30km shorter range with a claimed WLTP of 432km.

Our first sample was of the flagship SE Favoured which gets the most kit and features for $77,990. Yes, even the flagship sneaks in under LCT.

Zero-100km/h acceleration takes 5.6 seconds – just two tenths behind the JCW, while its monstrous and highly accessible 494Nm makes the electric version faster in practice.

Then there’s the ride which has a little of the classic EV thump as it tries to hide a 2000kg kerb weight, but balances ride quality and high-speed body control beautifully. It’s not the best EV ride we’ve encountered, but it comes very close.

Thoroughly developed throttle mapping and clever motor controls result in monstrous traction and confidence coupled with a light but sharp steering set up.

Will anyone care that this is the first Mini to be built outside the UK? They shouldn’t. Everything appears to have been screwed together as well as any recent model and, if anything, this Countryman sets new standards in cabin quality and design.

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The new circular 9.4-inch central touchscreen forms the centrepiece of Mini’s Operating System 9 and is stunning in its graphics, aesthetic and operation as well as providing one of many retro nods to Minis passed.

But while previous models required the driver to glance away from the road, the new Countryman has a head-up display as standard – even if it looks a little aftermarket (the steep windscreen rake prevented the use of a regular HUD).

A retro toggle switch panel balances the futuristic touchscreen above, lovely recycled knitted fabrics that cover most of the dash and door trims fade from Petrol blue into Vintage brown, and colour changing LED ambient lighting glows through at night.

Oh, and there’s a selfie camera which looks at everyone in the car and made us a little paranoid.

A choice of Experience Modes are in keeping with Mini’s fun nature, display different digital themes and generate unique sounds when accelerating or braking with each introduced by its own jingle and something Mini calls ‘earcons’. It’s all good fun but never at the cost of function and practicality.

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VERDICT

For now, Mini’s first electric Countryman is the pick of the bunch, providing the most compelling option in the new family.

That is, until a fourth JCW Sport option arrives for the SE later down the line and Mini’s performance hierarchy will likely be restored.