Mini has always been a forward-thinking and trendsetting brand. The classic Mini Cooper has been an icon for decades, the modern Mini helped kickstart a whole era of retro car designs, and the spicy John Cooper Works models are among the first cars people think of when anyone mentions a go-kart for the streets. Having said all this, it is a little surprising the brand loafed for so long on the electric vehicle front, but at long last, they have made a respectable and competitive attempt with the all-new 2025 Mini Countryman SE.
What’s new for 2025?
The Countryman, along with the standard Mini hatchback, is completely redesigned for 2025 and now sports a fresh yet instantly recognizable skin. Most noticeable is the size increase, where the Countryman is obviously larger in every dimension than before. We like that the edges have sharpened up significantly to make this a mature version of its old self. We miss the cutesy image of the outgoing model, but the new look keeps up better with current styling trends. The customizable head- and taillights, carried over from the 3-door models, are a nice touch.
Given the increased dimensions, it is no surprise to see extra room inside, lending to a more comfortable and airy space. The seats offer so-so support for the longer drives, but our tester’s optional Active Seat function adds massaging and ventilation to keep drivers energized. Cargo space has also jumps to 708 litres, a big bump compared to the previous-generation Countryman despite the battery taking up some space beneath the floor.
Interior design, comfort, and tech
The interior layout employs a minimalistic—pun intended—approach. The majority of the Countryman’s core functions are incorporated into the round OLED touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The rest of the interior design features a combination of various textile finishes and ambient lighting to create a modern and youthful cabin. The screen resolution is sharp, the controls are intuitive, the optional Harman Kardon audio system sounds great, and there are various functions tied to fun graphics—including the “Experiences” function, which is just a different name for drive modes—to make the ride a little more fun and interactive for everyone. The 2025 Mini Countryman SE may have grown considerably, but it retains the sense of joy that defines the brand.
To protect its occupants and those around them, Mini’s new, optional Driving Assistant Professional package allows our Countryman SE tester to perform semi-autonomous driving. Not only can it follow traffic and stay within its lane with very minimal input, it also allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 60 km/h, and can make lane changes on its own.
How does the electric Countryman drive?
Two electric motors work together with a 64.6 kWh battery pack to provide 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. It enables the Countryman SE to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and it won’t let up until its top speed of 180 km/h. As expected with all EVs, peak shove arrives instantaneously as soon as you touch the throttle; that feeling where you can outrun everyone in traffic on-demand is intoxicating and keeps you coming back for more. Drive range is rated at 341 kilometres; our real-world testing in winter reveals a maximum closer to about 300 kilometres, which is less than most other electric SUVs.
In terms of handling, this new electric Countryman is a bit of a letdown. The steering is quite responsive, but there is an overwhelming sense of isolation from the road that prevents us from feeling too engaged. The battery’s extra weight offers more stability and a lower centre of gravity, but you can feel the weight in the corners. The brakes are strong, but the pedal feels a bit too vague. Those hoping more of the traditional go-kart experience should consider the Countryman S instead.
The verdict
Although it is a bit late to the party, the all-electric 2025 Mini Countryman SE is a solid offering and carries enough appeal for fans of the brand and many more who may not be just yet. It has the classic Mini DNA you expect, it is spacious inside, and its range is much more competitive than Mini’s previous all-electric offering. Just be ready to spend, as our fully loaded tester worked out to $68,990 as-tested. It is certainly on the high side compared to similarly sized EVs, but we think its trendy and stylish package will still manage to make a difference in the marketplace.
