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As a model, Mini tends to fly underneath the radar in Australia. The Countryman isn’t precisely a scorching matter within the small SUV world, both.
It’s nonetheless posting cheap gross sales figures up to now this yr, and it’s removed from the lowest-selling mannequin in Australia’s premium small SUV section. It could also be persistently outperformed by the arguably extra area of interest Cooper hatch, although that’s Mini’s oldest and best-known nameplate.
Regardless, the third-generation Countryman was launched in Australia in early 2024, and the petrol vary was backed up by the arrival of totally electrical fashions for the primary time later that yr. That provides us the mannequin you see on check right here, the 2026 Mini Countryman SE Favoured.
There are two electrical variations at the moment obtainable. There’s the bottom E, a front-wheel drive mannequin, and the SE, a extra premium, all-wheel drive model that naturally prices a bit extra. There have been some modifications throughout the Countryman lineup as of late, even when there have been no visible tweaks.
Most vital is the introduction of Euro 6e-compliant powertrains together with 48V mild-hybrid expertise for the Countryman C and S. The EVs get new silicon carbide (SiC) inverter expertise, which has improved the effectivity of the Countryman E and SE to supply extra vary.
The performance-oriented Countryman JCW has been up to date to fulfill the extra stringent emissions rules too, although its powertrain specs are unchanged. These modifications have additionally resulted in modifications to pricing and the mannequin lineup.
The base Core trim has been axed for each the petrol C and electrical E powertrains, growing the Countryman’s beginning value. There’s now just one JCW variant, with the Classic axed in favour of a single, greater degree of specification.
The Countryman stays roughly $10,000 cheaper than the equal BMW X1 in Australia, the donor car for this specific Mini. These modifications largely echo the modifications utilized to the X1 and the electrical iX1 earlier in 2026, although Mini is but to supply BMW’s plug-in hybrid powertrains.
How does the Countryman stack up, and is it value contemplating as a substitute of its BMW sister mannequin?
How a lot does the Mini Countryman value?
The SE Favoured is the second-most costly electrical Countryman at the moment on sale, priced at $76,990 earlier than on-road prices. That’s up by $1000 on the pre-update mannequin.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Countryman C | |
| 2026 Mini Countryman C Classic | $54,490 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman C Favoured | $57,490 |
| Countryman S | |
| 2026 Mini Countryman S Classic ALL4 | $60,490 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman S Favoured ALL4 | $63,490 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman S JCW Sport ALL4 | $66,490 |
| Countryman E | |
| 2026 Mini Countryman E Classic | $68,990 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman E Favoured | $71,990 |
| Countryman SE | |
| 2026 Mini Countryman SE Classic ALL4 | $73,990 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman SE Favoured ALL4 | $76,990 |
| 2026 Mini Countryman SE JCW Sport ALL4 | $79,990 |
| Countryman JCW | |
| 2026 Mini Countryman JCW ALL4 | $75,490 |
Most notably, the bottom Countryman C Core has been axed, growing the lineup’s opening value by $4500. The Countryman C Classic is the brand new base variant at $54,490 earlier than on-roads – itself up $1500 on final yr’s mannequin.
As for rivals, premium-leaning small electrical SUVs embody the Zeekr X (as much as $57,900 drive-away), the Volvo EX30 (from $49,990 earlier than on-roads), and the Renault Megane E-Tech, which is at the moment obtainable for $49,990 drive-away.
Of course, there’s additionally the BMW iX1, on which the electrical Countryman relies, beginning at $77,900 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
What is the Mini Countryman like on the within?
The Countryman is virtually similar to each different trendy Mini inside, and whereas that makes it distinctive in Australia’s crowded compact SUV market, it’ll nonetheless be a studying curve for newcomers.
A surviving pattern in all Minis for the reason that model’s BMW-flavoured revival within the early 2000s is the round panel within the centre of the dashboard. What was as soon as merely a rev counter and journey pc has advanced into an all-encompassing management centre, now house to a touchscreen infotainment system housing almost all car settings.
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There’s definitely an actual ‘wow’ issue to this setup, however that doesn’t translate to intuitive performance. It’s hindered by mountains of menus, every one opening into an expanse of assorted settings (typical for BMW), and it’s as if one thing new pops up in each route you swipe.
We additionally dislike that the local weather system is completely digital, with fiddly little sliders on both facet and a devoted menu accessible by urgent the fan icon on the backside. It’s obnoxious given there’s loads of house round for a bodily local weather interface, although it does appear screen-heavy setups have gotten the norm for BMW.
At least the Mini’s graphics are tidy and characterful, and we are able to’t go with out mentioning the automotive’s digital assistant, ‘Spike’ the canine. This all helps to provide the Countryman life, even should you might not realise the breadth of gizmos on provide right here till you’ve owned the automotive for some time.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary, however their integration is clunky as a result of their rectangular interfaces can’t fill the round display screen. It’s the identical story for native Mini techniques, just like the reversing digicam.
That mentioned, the Countryman’s system follows different Minis in providing an unlimited array of personalisation choices. Included as customary are eight of the model’s ‘Experiences’, which change the display screen’s look with distinct colors, kinds, fonts, and widgets.
These vary from a minimalist fashion and an older, weathered look to a racy ‘Go-Kart’ mode, and even to a Countryman-specific ‘Trail’ mode with an earthy look and varied adventurous devices like a compass and off-road angle readouts. Some modes additionally deliver gentle mechanical tweaks, which we’ll contact on later.
Regardless of the tangible advantages of this perform, there’s no denying that it provides the Countryman character. The similar applies to Mini’s distinctive switchgear positioned beneath the central circle.
These are visually easy, that includes a quantity dial and three giant switches, together with one for these Experiences. In the center is a enjoyable key-like change you twist to start out or cease the automotive – extra fascinating than a typical push-button – and to the appropriate is the gear selector.
Again, these will take newcomers a second to know, but it surely’s good having one thing you possibly can bodily seize right here. All different inside buttons are discovered on the steering wheel, which is borrowed from the BMW elements bin and subsequently encompasses a simplified array of actual buttons.
Even so, user-friendly just isn’t a becoming description of the Countryman’s inside. You’ll discover there’s no instrument cluster; as a substitute, it’s changed by a fundamental head-up show mounted on a skinny piece of plastic, and every little thing is greatest discovered by way of trial and error.
Further, the cabin’s proportions – with its upright windscreen, comparatively giant sprint, and skinny A-pillars – make it really feel such as you’re sitting inside a fishbowl.
Once you’re previous all that, you’ll discover the cabin’s bodily fittings are all of top of the range. The steering wheel is completed in clean leather-based and boasts BMW’s attribute thick design, which feels odd within the palms on first impressions however slowly turns into extra pure.
The seats, in the meantime, have a sporty edge to their development however stay snug. They’re on the firmer facet however provide wise bolstering and a variety of powered changes, making it simple sufficient to get into a great driving place.
Storage is tight by section requirements, although there are numerous trays and cubbies for unfastened objects. Highlights embody a ‘shelf’ with a wi-fi telephone charging pad beneath the centre stack, two cupholders, moderately sized door bins, and Mini’s distinctive lidded central storage field, behind that are USB-C ports and a 12V outlet.
The overarching theme up entrance, nonetheless, is fashion. The woven dashboard overlaying, bronze accents, and minimalist total structure make for a visually fascinating place to spend time.
The similar isn’t essentially true of the rear seats, however they earn their preserve by being essentially the most spacious second row you’ll discover in any Mini showroom. There’s a great deal of house in each route, and I had no fitment points at 173cm, whereas my taller colleagues had been equally glad.
Headroom will grow to be tight for these of above-average stature. Amenities are nonetheless on par with what you’d count on from any small SUV: a fold-down centre armrest, twin air vents, two USB-C shops, map pockets, and door bins. The Countryman’s inside combustion roots imply there’s a driveline hump within the center, although.
Naturally, there are additionally the requisite ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors for baby seats.
The boot of the Countryman Electric is beneficiant, providing a claimed 460 litres of capability, which may be very aggressive amongst its rivals. An influence tailgate with kick sensor is customary throughout the vary, making entry to the boot by way of the big, sq. opening even simpler.
The load flooring extends far into the cabin and stays completely flat, with a sturdy cargo cowl up high to defend the boot’s contents from prying eyes. On both facet of the load house are nooks for unfastened objects: on the left is a web, and on the appropriate is a cubby within the flooring.
You may also fold the rear seatbacks flat to liberate the utmost 1450 litres of space for storing, which enabled us to pack in a full set of seats for a first-generation BMW-era Cooper S JCW with room to spare. Nothing like a brand new Mini to help an outdated Mini mission.
Lifting the rearmost portion of the load flooring reveals some additional house, very best for discreetly stowing charging cables. Unlike many different EVs, although, there’s no under-bonnet storage.
| Dimensions | Mini Countryman SE |
|---|---|
| Length | 4445mm |
| Width | 1843mm |
| Height | 1635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2692mm |
| Cargo capability | 460L (rear seats up) 1450L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Powering the Countryman SE is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive electrical powertrain, producing 230kW of energy and 494Nm of torque. Energy is sourced from a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery.
| Specifications | Mini Countryman SE ALL4 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor electrical |
| Battery | 65.2kWh li-ion – usable |
| Peak energy | 230kW |
| Peak torque | 494Nm |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2000kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.6 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 17.4kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 16.9kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 467km |
| Max AC cost price | 22kW |
| Max DC cost price | 130kW (29min 10-80%) |
While the gross battery capability is unchanged at 66.5kWh, usable capability has been elevated barely. The addition of the brand new silicon carbide (SiC) inverter has additionally improved the electrical Countryman’s claimed effectivity. In the case of our SE ALL4 tester, the claimed WLTP driving vary is up from 432km to 467km.
Mini additionally claims the SiC inverter tech improves power recuperation underneath braking and optimises powertrain efficiency and effectivity in real-world driving, “particularly in urban and stop-start driving conditions”.
Our week with the Countryman Electric concerned a mixture of freeway commuting and suburban errand-running. While the latter atmosphere is the place this car actually shines, its lower-than-claimed power consumption highlights its versatility.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
How does the Mini Countryman drive?
Expanding a small-car model philosophy to accommodate an SUV that is the most important Mini mannequin ever produced may seem to be a stretch, however the Countryman pulls this off fairly properly.
Glancing at it from any angle confirms it’s unmistakably a Mini, and making use of the British model’s present design language to what’s successfully the iX1 doesn’t make it look too bloated or ungainly. That carries by means of to its driving expertise.
The electrical Countryman ‘fires up’ on the twist of the central ‘key’, then emits its fair proportion of attribute Mini sounds that recommend it’s greatest pushed with a considerably lighthearted strategy. Once you begin shifting, you’ll discover the Countryman is an SUV that’s meant to be loved, however not within the drive-as-fast-as-you-can kind of means.
Instead, it makes commuting extra nice than a lot of its rivals do. It thrives within the metropolis, the place it fortunately soaks up velocity bumps, tram tracks, and absolutely anything you possibly can throw at it.
Its suspension setup is compliant with out being too comfortable, and it’s much more livable than its Cooper and Aceman stablemates, even with the non-obligatory 20-inch ‘Windmill Spoke’ wheels fitted to our tester.
Body roll is properly managed, and the automotive by no means appears unsettled over bumps at velocity, even on the freeway. Its steering is predictable and properly weighted, even when it is on the lighter facet. You can regulate the burden by choosing a unique Experience mode or by tweaking it individually on the display screen if it’s to not your style.
On that word, it’s value mentioning what the Experience modes change while you’re on the transfer.
Not each mode brings mechanical tweaks, however highlights embody Trail mode, which adjusts the traction management to permit extra wheel slip when off-road, and Go-Kart mode, which stiffens the steering, sharpens the throttle, and performs synthesised sounds by means of the audio system.
The Star Wars-like sounds are a characteristic throughout Mini’s EV vary, and I discover them much more preferable to faux sounds that try to emulate old-school engines. It’s one other show of character that doesn’t go unnoticed.
When it involves efficiency, the Countryman SE is not missing. Despite what the web engineers will let you know, a 5.6-second 0-100km/h dash time is greater than sufficient for any SUV, and this Countryman definitely hustles while you lay into the throttle.
Being all-wheel drive, it has no bother getting its energy to the bottom both. Outputs of 230kW and almost 500Nm are nothing to sneeze at, and so they give the Countryman extra zing than would moderately be anticipated of a small SUV.
That makes the Countryman EV a breeze to rise up to freeway speeds, and making fast overtakes or capturing gaps in site visitors takes no effort both. Throttle response can also be wise within the regular drive modes, and naturally turns into much more delicate in Go-Kart mode.
Mind you, it’s not like this quantity of energy is required within the Countryman. You’d get by completely effective with the cheaper, extra Mini-esque front-drive variants, as the moment electrical torque is sufficient to make any automotive really feel pretty zippy. This is only a bit extra enjoyable.
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Supporting the stable efficiency is a good regenerative braking system, which is configurable however at all times appears to take a second to have interaction while you come off the throttle. However, these not so eager on regen braking – together with me – can nonetheless make use of the well-calibrated brake pedal.
Generally, although, the Countryman is a simple automotive to reside with. It feels simply as snug on the freeway because it does round suburbia, although you’ll most likely need to keep in built-up areas given its comparatively quick driving vary and the truth that you get some highway noise above 100km/h.
The latter is to be anticipated of any small SUV, and it was exacerbated by the big alloys on our press automotive.
It’s value mentioning that this yr’s updates do not actually translate to tangible modifications on the highway. We definitely observed improved effectivity in comparison with electrical Countryman fashions of the previous, however do not count on a revolutionary improve from what are undeniably small modifications underneath the pores and skin.
This Mini advantages from its BMW origins by way of security, because it will get the German model’s newest and biggest driver-assistance tech. That means it truly assists you and, in contrast to a pattern rising in newer automobiles, received’t annoy you.
We had no points with the site visitors signal recognition or lane-keep help techniques, and the Countryman’s adaptive cruise management and lane-centring capabilities each labored reliably throughout our week with the automotive. In reality, we proceed to be impressed by BMW’s lane-centring performance particularly, because it’s extremely assured in following tighter bends whereas sustaining velocity.
The cameras and sensors are additionally good while you’re parking, however should you favor to do it the old school means, outward visibility is beneficiant on this not-so-mini… Mini.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
What do you get?
The Mini Countryman is available in three trim ranges – Classic, Favoured, and JCW Sport – whereas the full-fat JCW is now supplied in a single standalone spec. The C, S, E, and SE designations characterize totally different powertrains and/or states of tune.
2026 Mini Countryman Classic tools highlights:
- Alloy wheels:
- 18-inch ‘Asteroid Spoke’ silver alloy wheels
- 19-inch ‘Runway Spoke’ black alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Gloss-black exterior highlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto LED headlights
- Auto-dimming, power-folding facet mirrors
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Roof rails
- Velour flooring mats
- Recycled polyester knit dashboard and door playing cards
- Leather-wrapped sports activities steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Sports seats
- Synthetic leather-based and material upholstery (2 colors):
- Grey/Blue material
- Black/Blue material
- Heated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- 240mm round touchscreen infotainment system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Mini Connected Services
- Wireless telephone charger
- 6-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Augmented actuality navigation
- Interior digicam
- Power tailgate with kick sensor
- 8 ‘Mini Experience’ modes:
- Core
- Green
- Go-Kart
- Personal
- Timeless
- Vivid
- Balance
- Trail
- Keyless entry
Countryman Favoured provides:
- Alloy wheels:
- 19-inch ‘Runway Spoke’ black alloy wheels
- 19-inch ‘Kaleido Spoke’ Vibrant Silver/black alloy wheels
- 20-inch ‘Windmill Spoke’ Vibrant Silver/black alloy wheels (ALL4 solely)
- Vibrant Silver exterior highlights
- Sun safety glazing
- Anthracite headliner
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery (4 colors):
- Beige
- Dark Petrol
- Vintage Brown
- Black
- John Cooper Works seats
- Power entrance seat adjustment
- Driver’s seat therapeutic massage perform
- Driver’s seat place reminiscence
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Countryman JCW Sport provides (over Favoured):
- Alloy wheels:
- 19-inch ‘Runway Spoke’ black alloy wheels
- 20-inch ‘Flag Spoke’ silver/black alloy wheels
- Adaptive damping
- John Cooper Works sport brakes
- John Cooper Works exterior styling
- Black sport stripes
- John Cooper Works steering wheel
- Black John Cooper Works Vescin/twine upholstery
- Paddle shifters
Countryman JCW provides (over Favoured):
- 20-inch ‘Flag Spoke’ silver/black alloy wheels
- Sport stripes (2 colors):
- Adaptive damping
- John Cooper Works efficiency brakes
- John Cooper Works exterior styling with gloss-black highlights
- John Cooper Works steering wheel
- Black John Cooper Works Vescin/twine upholstery
- Paddle shifters
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
Is the Mini Countryman protected?
The Mini Countryman has a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2024.
| Category | Mini Countryman |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 83 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway person safety | 81 per cent |
| Safety help | 83 per cent |
Standard security tools highlights:
- 9 airbags, incl:
- Front
- Side
- Head
- Front-centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Automatic velocity restrict assistant
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cruise management
- Driver consideration monitor
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent emergency name
- Lane-centring
- Lane-keep help
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit help
- Speed limiter
- Surround-view monitor
- Tyre strain monitoring
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up in opposition to the competitors, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Mini Countryman value to run?
Mini Australia backs its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The model doesn’t define service intervals; as a substitute, it follows its mother or father firm, BMW, in adopting a ‘Condition Based Service’ upkeep schedule.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mini Countryman Electric |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| High-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 100,000km |
| Roadside help | 8 years |
| Service intervals | Condition-based |
| Capped-price servicing | Prepaid plans |
| Total capped-price service value | $1575 (4 years) $2360 (6 years) |
Mini says its autos frequently monitor their very own well being utilizing data collected from on-b