It’s interesting to talk about MINI brand vehicles. For some, a MINI is the Cooper – the cute little runabout that got a reboot in 2003 and has since been the brand that’s about fun, style and bit of British swagger. (Yes, we know that it’s actually a BMW now).

But you can only sell so many little boxes – people want bigger boxes as family needs grow. So, we’ve seen vehicles like the Clubman and the Countryman. And for 2025, the Countryman has gotten a bit bigger, and more SUV like to compete in the marketplace. And to top that off, there’s a new EV model. Since we loved the previous EV Cooper, except for its paltry 100-mile or so range, we were excited to get another taste of MINI goodness. Now with an EV setup more in line with what buyers are expecting today.

Bigger is Better

While many love the MINI ethos, the previous Countryman was a little challenged space wise compared to other small CUV/SUV’s. That’s not a problem now, as the ’25 stands 5 inches longer and four inches taller. It’s still cute, though!

Up front, the Countryman picks up the design motif of the recently designed Cooper, with a large hexagonal grille and a large body-color “mouth guard” running through it. The lower fascia has a contrasting color that makes it look more rugged, while the squared-off projector headlights tie to the previous model.

The profile really shows off the larger size, while still retaining the whimsical vibes. Most noticeable is the prominent front that peels off to a swept fastback look as it goes past the rear pillar. Also notable on our tester were the 6-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels. 19-inchers are available, but they reduce EV range, something we’ve noticed in other electric vehicles. You have to decide your priorities! Costing us no range, our tester’s black mirrors and roof gave a rugged look.

The rear continues the larger is lovelier theme, with taller, but slender taillights, a more integrated design, but still retaining C O U N T R Y M A N spelled out in big block letters. We like the lower contrasting fascia that gives more off-road cred. Of course, being an EV, there are no exhaust pipes, but we’d say it’s pretty interesting that there’s very little that gives away this is an EV and not a more traditional gas-powered Countryman. Finishing off the look was our tester’s Blazing Blue metallic paint, a bright medium blue that is cheerful and fresh, without looking too smurfy.

The Big Picture

Inside, there are more similarities to the new Cooper.

Open the door and it’s pure Mini with a large circular display mounted in the center of the dash. The 2003 Mini had a large speedometer there, and now, you get the whole info-tainment and driver’s display all in one humongous 9-inch OLED touchscreen pie-plate of technology.

Your eye is also drawn to the dash’s fabric-like woven material that also features ambient lighting to create a unique mood depending on things like driver’s mode. In our tester the blue dash formed a tasty two-tone with the beige faux leather Vescin seats.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable in the MINI/BMW way, and those riding in back will appreciate much more room than the previous model. Luggage space is generous for a small EV, and the rear seat folds flat to create a large cargo hold.

Like the Cooper we tested, the giant touchscreen is not only well thought out, but it also has that cheeky MINI way of entertaining you. Hit the “Experience” toggle switch and different displays take over, from Core, Efficient, Vivid, Classic and our favorite Go Kart mode!

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto look great on the large screen, and we loved the “Hello Winter” animated film that you can pull up. While almost everything is controlled through the screen, a small toggle style panel below lets you choose gear, power, experiences and even includes a volume control.

Below that is a center console with wireless charging, dual cupholders and a little bin that functions as a very small center console – we’d prefer an actual one, but with the EV system and AWD it looks like there isn’t room. The center armrest does slide back and forth which is a nice touch, especially for taller drivers.

Speaking of touch, we also loved the fat-rimmed steering wheel with 3 spokes (although the one at 6 o’clock is made of fabric!) cut-outs that feel great to your hand and some easy to reach remote controls for infotainment and cruise control.

With all the info on the center console, we appreciated our tester’s Head-Up Display that makes it easier to keep your eyes forward and on the road – but that’s a tough job, because the interior is so unique, stylish and fun you keep wanting to check it out.

Our tester upped the ante with a sweet Harmon Kardon sound system, and even an Interior Camera, which we guess is for taking selfies?

Electric Whoosh

Driving the EV model is a real treat.

Let’s talk power. With a dual-motor All4 AWD standard on all Countryman EV models, you’re looking at a stonking 308 horsepower and 364 lb.-ft of torque. We’d note that the numbers are very close to the John Cooper Works model, but the JCW car is a serious performance vehicle, and our guess is you’re going to be paying a penalty with a harsh ride.

Not so the SE. This is power that’s smooth, instantly available and even sounds great thanks to a little pumped in sound that reminds us of the Star Trek Enterprise. 0-60 is easily below 5 seconds, and with standard AWD the grip off the line is phenomenal, even in the unusually rainy weather we had in LA when testing our vehicle. We were constantly surprising other drivers with the Countryman’ brilliant acceleration.

Yes, it’s fast, but it’s also smooth, being impressively quiet and comfy in the daily drive. The only downer is the smallish EV range. With a maximum rating of 212 miles on a full charge, it’s notably less than other competitors like the Kona EV at 261 miles but is actually better than the Volvo EX30 at 201 miles comparably equipped. It’s a fair trade-off for the performance as far as we’re concerned. (And we feel that way about the Volvo too).

Charging is reasonable as well, with DC fast charging up to 130kW, Mini says you can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in just under 30 minutes. Perfect amount of time to grab a bite or a quick workout!

Along with great power comes great handling. Although this is a large vehicle for a MINI, overall, it’s still a fun-size commuter, and you can slice and dice traffic with ease. That power is equally impressive at freeway speeds and passing is quick and easy. The ride is smooth, and overall noise level is impressively low, with just a bit of road noise sneaking in.

All great, but we’d rather take a twisty road. With standard AWD you’ve got loads of grip in corners, and it powers out on a huge wave of torque. Steering feel is precise but light and brake pedal feel is excellent, too. We smiled every day we drover our tester. This is one of the most fun to drive EV’s you can buy. Heck, it’s one of the most fun vehicles you buy!

MINI price?

Well, this is a premium brand, so don’t expect fire sale prices. That said, it’s quite reasonable.  The gas-powered Countryman S ALL4 starts at $38,900. For all that unique MINI charm in a small SUV that’s impressive value.

The EV models are a small step up in price, starting at $42,500 – for a 308-horsepower rocket well worth the money. MINIs are also known for customizability, and our tester showed some great choices, including Iconic Trim with Favoured Style ($3,200), Comfort Package Max ($900), Parking Assistant Professional ($250) and Trailer Hitch ($600). Add in $995 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $51,145.

We think the Volvo EX at $49,445 is worth looking at, with its own Swedish-style charm. It’s the rocket of its class with 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds! But its range is barely above 200 miles. And those looking to spend less should also check out the Kia Niro EV, with a range of 253 miles that’s a step up, but performance is notably slower than the MINI or the Volvo. But at a comparable $40,000 as tested, it’s a very strong value. It’s nice to have some great choices!

With more space, storming performance and that cheeky British charm, the all-new 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 EV, is a great small crossover that always makes you smile!