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The biggest Mini ever. No oxymoron but the exact description of the third generation of Countryman, which has grown in size to almost half a meter more than the first series of 2010. Having become more mature on all fronts, the crossover is also available for the first time in the 100 version % electric. Tested on the road along the Portuguese coast, the Countryman SE ALL4 is ready to challenge a long list of B-segment electric SUVs such as the Mercedes EQA, Smart #1 and even Chinese proposals such as the Byd Atto 3. It has grown by more than 13 centimeters compared to the second generation , with a length of 4,433 mm, also increases in wheelbase to 2,692 mm.
Looking at it closely you can appreciate the decisive design, starting from the front optimized from an aerodynamic point of view as underlined by the drag coefficient of 0.26. At the rear comes the C-pillar with the model-specific ALL4 logo, LED headlights and rear lights with British graphics. The new alloy wheels, available up to 20 inches, underline the sporty character.
Climbing aboard the third generation of Countryman we find completely renewed interiors, now decidedly minimalist and characterized by the large 240 mm Oled touchscreen central screen from which to manage the connected Mini Operating System 9 infotainment system, customizable via 8 different scenarios and equipped with an assistant advanced voice activated via “Hey Mini”.
In the lower part there are five physical controls, including the ignition of the car and the selection of driving modes, which bring to mind the historic model created by Alec Issigonis in 1959. The increase in size has improved the space on board, with a load capacity of 460 liters in a five-seater configuration and expandable up to 1,450 litres. As regards autonomy, the 66.45 kWh battery allows for over 430 kilometers with WLTP approval. For charging, using a direct current socket up to 130 kW, just under 30 minutes is enough to charge the battery from 10 to 80%. For the first time, the new Mini Countryman SE All4 can be recharged with the Plug & Charge system capable of recognizing public charging stations without the need for authorization and automatically starts the charging process at suitable charging stations.
Our first contact starts from a motorway transfer, where we appreciate the rich package of driving assistants, now up to the second Adas level, according to the classification from zero to five. With the Driving Assistant Professional, you can take your hands off the steering wheel (not permitted in Italy) up to a speed of 60 km/h, as long as you continue to follow traffic closely and are ready to intervene at any time. Furthermore, the assistant can identify gaps in traffic necessary to change lanes towards the exit. Moving on to a hilly route, the 313 horsepower (230 kW) and 494 Nm of maximum torque discharged to the ground by the two engines allow you to have fun around the curves, thanks to the various driving modes available capable of ensuring the famous “Go-Kart Feeling” typical of Mini models. Capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, it declares a top speed electronically limited to 180 km/h.