MINI has successfully established itself as a premium brand known for its fun, quirky, and stylish vehicles. Since its debut in 2010, the Countryman has become the cornerstone of the British automaker's lineup, offering a practical compact SUV in a highly competitive segment. With the launch of the third-generation model in 2024, we were excited to get our hands on the new SE version; now fully electric for the first time in the Countryman's history. Our MINI Countryman SE ALL4 has an MSRP of $74,623 and is built at the Leipzig, Germany, plant. 

We owned the second-generation MINI Countryman SE for four years and absolutely loved it. We drove more than 90,000 km (56,000 mi), taking it on numerous road trips. The car required virtually no major maintenance, just a single issue with the infotainment screen, which MINI quickly resolved under warranty at no cost. The 2020 refresh introduced minor updates, mainly to the gauge cluster and infotainment system, while the rest of the vehicle remained essentially unchanged. Originally a plug-in hybrid, the Countryman SE has now transitioned to being fully electric, marking a significant shift. 

MINI's design team didn't stray far from a winning formula; it's clear that the starting point was the vehicle's second gen, but they did enough changes to make it look modern and fresh. The headlights now feature sharper edges, but they kept the now iconic Countryman look. The front grille used to have a distinct upper and lower bumper grille; now, it has been merged. The grill is encircled by a Vibrant Silver rim, which appears slightly golden. The lower bumper keeps its utilitarian yet premium look with the black and silver piece. The door handles are flush with the door panel, thus reducing drag. If you're looking for the charging door, it is now at the back on the passenger's side; we liked it better next to the driver's door, as in the last Countryman. The 19-inch Kaleido wheels look dynamic. The rear hatch design is a throwback to the vehicle's first generation, where the focus was on the model's name, spelled across the width of the door. The green S badge indicates that it's the electric model. The British/German automaker kept the body cladding, which added a rugged aspect to the vehicle, and the LED taillights have a futuristic look. Overall, they perfectly encapsulated the MINI's vision into the future, with a nice and polished design, while it still looks like the car that so many people around the globe adopted in its first 14 years. 

We were pleasantly surprised by the bold use of blue inside the cabin of the new MINI Countryman SE; it instantly brought to mind Eiffel 65's iconic track from the early 2000s. Nostalgia aside, the interior has undergone a thoughtful refresh, with the centrepiece being the striking 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen. It's one of the most customizable displays on the market, and we'll dive deeper into its features shortly. The cabin is finished in Vescin Dark Petrol, with door panels blending brown and blue tones to break up the monotony and add visual interest. While the textured material used on the doors, dashboard, and center armrest feels coarse to the touch, it has the practical benefit of staying cool under direct sunlight. The Premier+ trim features 100% leather-free seats that are both comfortable and supportive, proudly embossed with the MINI logo, a subtle reminder that this isn't just any car.

From the driver's seat, one of the first noticeable changes is the absence of a traditional instrument cluster. All driving information is now centralized on the main display. Thankfully, a head-up display is now standard, allowing drivers to monitor speed and navigation without taking their eyes off the road. The steering wheel, borrowed from the BMW X1 with a MINI twist, features a unique third spoke made of strap material, symbolizing the brand's eco-conscious approach. It's well-proportioned and feels just right in hand, with media controls on the right and cruise control on the left. Starting the car remains familiar, with the ignition switch still located beneath the central screen. However, instead of a toggle, it now mimics the motion of turning a key, an endearing touch. The bulky gear lever has been replaced by a minimalist toggle, with a button for Park and a switch for Reverse and Drive. The drive modes are accessed via the "Experiences" selector, offering eight different settings. While many modes are similar, Sport mode has been renamed to "Go-Kart," and Green mode continues to focus on efficiency. Power ports are tucked under the compact armrest, including two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet.

The central infotainment display truly takes center stage in the new MINI Countryman SE, managing a wide array of functions. The 9.4-inch OLED screen is a modern reinterpretation of the classic MINI all-in-one interface. Known as the MINI Interaction Unit, it handles everything from speed and tire pressure monitoring to trip data, climate control, media, phone connectivity, and built-in navigation. One standout feature is the Augmented Reality navigation, which overlays large directional arrows in real time to guide your next turn: an intuitive and futuristic touch. While it may feel overwhelming at first, spending just 20 minutes exploring the interface reveals its depth and ease of use. The responsiveness is on par with modern smartphones, and the Home button remains accessible at all times. Continuing the industry trend, the system supports in-car gaming (while parked) via AirConsole. It also displays charging status at public stations and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the seat and steering wheel heating controls are integrated into the screen. Voice control is available too; say "Hey MINI" to adjust navigation, media, temperature, and more without taking your eyes off the road. For audiophiles, an optional Harman/Kardon premium sound system rounds out the experience. 

As for practicality, the Countryman remains a five-seater but now offers improved headroom and legroom thanks to its redesigned shape. Four adults can sit comfortably, and while rear amenities are modest, essentials like air vents, USB-C ports, and cupholders are included. ISOFIX ports are easy to access, and rear anchors are well-positioned for child seats. Cargo space has increased by 25% compared to the previous generation. With a capacity ranging from 703 to 1,591 litres (24.83 to 56.18 cu. ft.), and rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split, it's versatile enough for weekend getaways or daily errands. While the floor isn't completely flat, it still offers ample room for couples or small families.

Under the hood, the new MINI Countryman SE is now fully electric; gone is the old plug-in Hybrid powertrain. The third generation is powered by a dual-motor setup linked to a 64.7 kWh battery pack, developing a healthy 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels thanks to the ALL4 system and thus helps move the vehicle to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds. The main drawback is the range, with an announced range of 341 km (212 mi), it has one of the lowest figures amongst new EV models. We achieved a little more in city driving, but on the highway, the battery gets depleted rather quickly, even though the vehicle is quite efficient (20 kWh/100km). During our testing, we averaged 18.9 kWh/100km, in combined city and highway driving, which is almost precisely the announced range. Charging speed is decent. On a 100-kW charger, we were able to charge from 9% to 75% in 40 minutes. The Countryman is able to handle speeds up to 130 kW.

The latest MINI Countryman SE retains much of its iconic design, but more importantly, it preserves the spirited driving experience that defines the brand. It's a genuinely enjoyable daily driver, full of energy and character. While its acceleration isn't as aggressive as some other EVs, it's still more than adequate, especially when switched to Go-Kart mode. Braking is responsive and reliable, though unlike many electric vehicles, the level of regenerative braking isn't adjustable; it's tied directly to the selected drive mode. Steering and handling are impressive; the Countryman SE feels surprisingly agile for a taller EV and remains stable through high-speed corners. The suspension strikes a good balance: firm enough to handle rough roads without compromising everyday comfort. One drawback we noticed was the poor sound insulation. Highway driving revealed noticeable noise, especially from passing trucks, which feels out of place in a vehicle priced at $74,000. That said, this MINI still evokes the charm of the previous Countryman we owned. Despite criticisms about its increased size and weight, the vehicle maintains its refinement and driving excitement, making it a compelling choice among its competitors.

The third-generation MINI Countryman SE ALL4 marks a significant milestone as a fully electric model. While it delivers the signature MINI driving fun and improved interior space, its 341 km (212 mi) range is a clear limitation at this price point, though manageable for urban drivers with home charging. Design-wise, MINI stayed true to its roots while modernizing key elements and on the road, it continues to deliver the dynamic driving experience. If you're upgrading from a second-gen Countryman SE or want a stylish, tech-forward EV for city life, this model blends British charm, modern innovation, and everyday practicality beautifully.

Disclaimer: MINI has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with MINI Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.