MINI Countryman SE ALL4 First Drive Review

Alongside the new generation MINI Countryman, the world is also getting its all electric variant - the brand new MINI Countryman SE. This electric twinning is exactly what you think it is. Just like what we've seen with almost all of BMW's new models since the 7 Series, MINI's new products (starting with this Countryman and also with the upcoming Cooper) will also adopt the same twinning strategy.

So yes, while I was in Lisbon, Portugal, I test drove a total of four cars. The X2, iX2, JCW Countryman, as well as this Countryman SE. Cynics would say that it is just four version of the same car, and there's admittedly some truth to that. All four are built on the same mechanical platform (BMW's UKL2 platform), and share the same drivetrain across petrol and electric variants.

But to think of all these cars as being "the same" would be myopic - in fact, they all offer different propositions aimed at different people.

On this Favoured trim, exterior elements like the roof and wing mirrors are coloured in Vibrant Silver, which accentuates the car's youthful personality

All the right charms

I don't want to belabour the point (you can read all about it here), but yes, this new Countryman is significantly bigger than the previous generation model.

On the outside, this all electric version looks almost identical to its JCW twin. The front grille is more blanked off, but visually it'll be hard to tell the difference unless you are quite close to the car.

Where MINI is differentiating the various variants is in the light signatures. The DRLs on the front are illuminated slightly differently, but it's perhaps more obvious at the back. While base models get the traditional union jack light motif, higher specification variants actually get a different light signature - on this SE model, you get a design that looks somewhat like a square bracket ].

I particularly like the way the Dark Petrol finish merges smoothly with the brown textile, which is exactly colour-matched to the synthetic leather seats

Inside, its again functionally identical to the JCW model I drove. There is one significant cosmetic difference, though, and I think that makes quite a different impact. The JCW inevitably leans into a sporty black/red palette. In this version, it is instead predominantly blue (or Dark Petrol as MINI calls it). One thing I find really charming is the way blue and brown merge on either door, which in fact then blends the colour in with the tan seats as well. 

The effect of this is a charming and vibrant space, augmented by equally quirky design choices like the big round central screen, and the fabric 'spoke' in the steering wheel.

One slightly odd thing that I need to point out: While there are rear air-con vents, they are fixed, in that you cannot adjust the direction. Both point inwards towards the middle seat, so whichever passenger is there is going to feel much colder than the rest.

The Countryman SE delivers brisk on-road pace, while also being quiet and refined around town

On-road credibility

On the road, the Countryman SE revels in easy power. With 230kW and 494Nm of instant electric torque, the Countryman SE accelerates with verve, and actually continues to pull hard at highway speeds. The longer wheelbase and increased track width make for great high speed stability, too.

Pull off onto some twisty mountain roads, the Countryman SE hardly falters. As with the JCW, this is no go-kart, but it handles with high competency and capability.

However, while it may be positioned as a sporty model, I don't think that is its true remit. The most enjoyable portion of the drive for me was through denser areas, where the car's quietness and refinement shines through. The ride is composed even over poorly maintained roads, the steering is light, and the overall experience is very relaxing.

Indeed, I find myself most attracted to the cruising qualities of this car. With the 66.5kWh battery, you should be able to get about 400km of range on a full charge, so it can go quite far, too. And with a maximum charging rate of 130kW, you get get the car from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes.

At the appropriate 130kW DC charger, you can get the battery from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes

A stylish pick

Having driven four similar and related cars, I find myself most drawn to this Countryman SE. It's got style and substance, delivered in a package that manages to be interesting while still quite familiar.

But perhaps the variant that will be the most appealing may be the Countryman E - you make do with less performance, but more range. And it should still deliver all the quality and refinement found in this SE model.

Combine that with the stylish exterior and unendingly charming interior, and there's plenty to like.

With its charming interior and credible on-road capability, this electric Countryman will certainly appeal to young and trendy families who desire something out of the ordinary

Look, MINIs have never held mass appeal. This new generation Countryman, while certainly more accessible and practical than any MINI before and I think more likely to win over new customers, is unlikely to have a transformative impact on the brand's appeal. MINIs will continue to be a slightly niche brand.

But that's okay. I reckon that being alternative and niche is part of the brand appeal. Pricing will be a big factor, but priced appropriately, you can definitely imagine this model's target audience. Picture a younger and trendier modern family choosing their first car. They are likely to be more tech-savvy and socially vibrant, while also being more sensitive about their carbon footprint. An all-electric compact SUV with family-friendly functionality and practicality, while still having a vibrant and youthful interior to brighten up every drive? Yep, this is exactly the car for them.