Big Ambitions, Big Character, Big Love: Driving the MINI U25 Countryman Electric SE ALL4 66.5 kWh

There’s a bit of a formula to how automotive reviews usually go. We start with an introduction—typically where we try (sometimes desperately) to inject a funny, completely irrelevant anecdote to grab your attention. Then, we dive into the meat of the article, laying out all the things we like (or don’t) about the car. Once we’ve said our piece, we wrap it up with a conclusion, ideally tying everything back to that random little story we started with to give it all a sense of purpose.

Not this time, though. This time, I’m cutting straight to the chase to tell you exactly how I feel about the all-new Mini Countryman SE. No fluff, no detours—just the truth: for its segment and price point, this is, without a doubt, as an overall package, one of the best cars I’ve driven this year.

Visuals
While the new Countryman shares its BMW UKL2 platform with its predecessor, it has evolved significantly in size and style. With increases of 3 cm in length, 8 cm in height, and 6 cm in width, the latest model not only offers more space for passengers and cargo but also boasts a design with enhanced road presence.

Aesthetically, the increased dimensions have given designers much greater freedom to shape the new Countryman, unburdened by the self-imposed proportions of its predecessor. From the surfboard-style roof to the iconic, customisable lighting signatures that add vibrancy to the exterior, every detail reflects a thoughtful yet playful evolution. The result is a harmonious blend of mature, sophisticated, and muscular shapes, enriched with intricate design elements and motifs that celebrate the brand’s cheeky, joyful spirit. The outcome? A characterful yet clean exterior that is boldly and unmistakably Mini.

Obsession
This meticulous attention to detail carries over to the interior, where an artfully curated space showcases carefully chosen fabrics, Mini’s eco-friendly Vescin leather, aluminium and textured plastics. While the plastics may feel firm to the touch, they are adorned with patterns and textures that add a sense of visual softness, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

That being said, while the beautifully fabric-lined elements are a visual delight, we do have some concerns about their practicality. For those planning to ferry their furry four-legged friends around, these materials might not be the easiest to keep clean.

Unexpectedly, the cabin has significantly benefited from the new Countryman’s increased length, width, and height, offering noticeable gains in both legroom and headroom for all occupants, with luggage space to match as the Countryman now offers 505 litres of cargo capacity, which expands to a generous 1,530 litres with the rear seats folded down—30 litres more than the previous model.

Enhancing this spaciousness is the centerpiece of the interior: Mini’s brilliantly executed circular OLED central display unit—a groundbreaking first in the industry. Co-developed with Samsung, this cutting-edge screen not only serves as the technological hub of the interior but also elevates the cabin’s aesthetic with its sleek design and seamless integration.

While the circular UI might take some getting used to for those accustomed to more conventional square displays, digital natives familiar with modern gadgetry will likely find Mini’s latest user interface intuitive and engaging. Though there are still some minor gripes regarding the placement of certain elements, stickiness when side swiping and Mini’s (and BMW’s) insistence on paywalling certain features, Operating system 9 shines with its large, clear icons, fast response times, and thoughtfully organised layout. It also offers an impressive array of customisation options, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preferences.

Adding to the charm is a multitude of delightful aural flourishes that enhance interaction, infusing every touch with a sense of playfulness. What truly sets this UI apart, however, is how cohesively it integrates with the car itself—it feels like a system designed in tandem with the vehicle, rather than an afterthought. While I would love an even greater level of customisation in the interface, this remains one of the most polished and enjoyable UIs I’ve encountered in the automotive market, one that many other manufacturers could certainly take a few pointers from.

For added tactility, Mini has retained the use of physical knobs, switches, and toggles for key features, including starting the car, adjusting drive modes, controlling audio, and, most importantly, the gear selector.

Joy of driving
With 308 electric horses and an almost instantaneous 494Nm of torque, the Countryman SE ensures that progress is undeniably swift, taking only 5.6 seconds to hit the century mark. Yet, these numbers only tell part of the story. What they don’t reveal is the thoughtful engineering behind translating these figures into a lively and delightful driving experience.

While many EVs focus on delivering face-melting acceleration and headline-grabbing power to impress the spec-sheet crowd, few consider how to make the experience genuinely emotional and engaging.

The Countryman SE, alongside its Cooper and Aceman siblings, shatters the typical EV mold. It combines its potent, yet often silent (and isolating) electric drivetrain with a collection of dynamic soundtracks, transforming each firm press of the throttle into a fully immersive sensory experience. From the bubbly, playful pulse reminiscent of The Jetsons‘ flying car to the deep, resonant hum of a starship’s warp drive, the auditory feedback adds the much-needed excitement and personality that’s often missing in other EVs. Engaging the Countryman SE’s electric motor borders on an addictive thrill, constantly calling you back for more. It is a joyful thing to push around.

With dual electric motors powering all four wheels, the large Countryman handles surprisingly well. Its quick, responsive chassis reacts eagerly to steering inputs, enabling swift directional changes with ease. However, when pushed hard, its 2,000-kilo mass becomes more apparent, with the front end tending to scrub wide under heavy cornering. Drive it within reason, though, and the only real hindrance to progress is its increased track, which might catch off guard those more accustomed to the compact feel of classic Minis.

One pleasant surprise, however, is the significant improvement in ride comfort. Gone is the overly “enthusiastic” and compromised suspension tuning that only drivers could appreciate, replaced by a ride quality that wouldn’t feel out of place if we slapped a BMW badge on it. Mini has also added a thoughtful touch for the driver, with a massage function to enhance comfort at the helm, just don’t tell your passengers about it.

Big Love
All of which brings me back to reinforce my earlier statement that the Mini Countryman SE, as an overall product, is one of the best cars I’ve driven this year because at $251,888, inclusive with a Category B COE, the top-spec Countryman SE not only undercuts its less powerful and less well equipped Category A COE’ed BMW IX1 ($274,888) and IX2 ($284,888) cousins, but also the Audi Q4 e-tron 45 ($264,999), the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+ ($297,888) and even the Volvo EX40 Electric ($265,000).

While the previous generation of the Countryman had to compromise on space and packaging for a more compact footprint, the latest model is free from those constraints, standing toe-to-toe with its rivals—and even out-sizing the Mercedes EQA. It’s a harmonious blend of design and engineering, keeping much of the signature Mini flair and personality, while offering more space, increased practicality, exceptional build quality, meticulous attention to detail, and a host of features that might even win over the most skeptical of EV enthusiasts.

It’s not perfect, of course—OS9 could use a bit more customisation, the steering wheel feels a tad too thick, and I can’t help but wish Mini had included a subwoofer under each seat for that extra “oomph” to complement the driving sounds. But as it stands, the best premium luxury compact crossover available in Singapore, made by BMW, now proudly wears a Mini badge. Big love indeed.