It is likely to be shocking to some, however the MINI Countryman represents practically a 3rd of MINI’s complete gross sales. The EV model particularly noticed gross sales rise virtually 82% globally final 12 months. Much less shocking, then, is information that MINI has opted for a “extra of an excellent factor” method. The Countryman EV sees a major vary improve for fashions produced from March 2026 — a minimum of in a number of European international locations. It comes by the use of up to date {hardware} together with a brand new silicon carbide inverter and wheel bearings that provide decrease rolling resistance. The automobile’s excessive voltage storage system additionally will get a bit extra succesful, now storing 65.2 kWh of energy. Elsewhere, the Countryman EV positive aspects the John Cooper Works Type Package deal. It provides aggressive black particulars that bring to mind what a JCW Countryman EV would possibly seem like — if MINI made one, that’s. General, the modifications are all optimistic and can doubtless permit the Countryman EV to proceed to be a preferred alternative.
2026 MINI Countryman EV Electrical Motor and Efficiency
Regardless of small modifications within the SUV’s EV powertrain, the 2026 Countryman makes the identical energy as earlier than. Within the U.S., meaning solely all-wheel drive, dual-motor fashions making 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. MINI Says the Countryman SE (all-wheel drive) will speed up from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Our SE ALL4 evaluate has extra about driving impressions. The remainder of the world enjoys a front-wheel drive normal mannequin. Its energy can also be unchanged at 204 (metric) horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.
2026 MINI Countryman EV Charging and Vary
From March 2026, most European markets will see the vary enhance we detailed within the introductory paragraph. The brand new and improved Countryman EV will take pleasure in touring as much as 501 km on a full cost (measured through WLTP; front-wheel drive mannequin). All-wheel drive fashions nonetheless see a pleasant boon, with vary rising to 467 km. The U.S. shouldn’t be confirmed for these modifications as of this writing. For now, U.S. drivers might want to make do with the 212-mile EPA estimate (with 18-inch wheels). No matter the place you’re on the earth, the Countryman EV expenses fast, from 10 to 80 p.c in underneath half-hour with DC charging.
Inside and Cargo Area
MINI has streamlined the inside decisions to mirror its sustainability push; Vescin/material upholstery is the only real seating possibility. The seats supply first rate facet bolstering for spirited driving, although they forgo energy adjustment in favor of handbook controls. That simplicity matches the model’s back-to-basics ethos, even when some consumers will miss the comfort. Consolation isn’t missed, nonetheless — each the entrance seats and steering wheel are heated, and a panoramic moonroof comes normal. Collectively, these touches create an environment that manages to really feel cozy and premium with out shedding MINI’s signature sense of enjoyable. None of this, after all, is new for the 2026 mannequin 12 months.
Practicality is one other sturdy swimsuit of the electrical Countryman. As a real compact SUV, it delivers the form of cargo house consumers count on from the section. With the rear seats folded flat, there’s a powerful 56.2 cubic ft of room to work with, whereas leaving them upright nonetheless gives a helpful 24.8 cubic ft. These numbers simply outclass equally formed rivals just like the Volvo EX30, which gives simply 31.9 cubic ft with the seats down and a modest 11.2 cubic ft behind the second row.
2026 Countryman EV Know-how and Connectivity
As is the case with in-cabin digs, the brand new Countryman EV has no modifications to tech or connectivity. There’s one small exception: the Countryman EV will now include one bodily key and one “keycard” key, in lieu of two fobs. In any other case, count on the identical round OLED display powered by OS 9. In-car gaming, a head-up show, and wi-fi machine charging are all complimentary inclusions. The Iconic Trim homes the remainder of the very best tech, however at $3,400 it’s a tough promote. Nevertheless, it does add energy seats, an honest Harman/Kardon sound system, augmented actuality navigation, and plenty of driver aids we’ll get to in a second.
Security and Driver Help Options
For continuities sake: the Iconic Trim consists of Parking Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus. The 360-degree digital camera and self-park performance of Park Plus makes it a improbable add. The one method to get semi-autonomous driving in site visitors is by stepping as much as the $2,400 Consolation Package deal Max. It’s a doubtful worth particularly when you’ve already loaded up on choices. Like final 12 months, the Consolation Package deal Plus is the sensible purchase; $1,500 provides AR-assisted navigation and the self-parking goodies. Normal gear can also be fairly good on the Countryman EV. Lively Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning are all complimentary.
2026 MINI Countryman EV Pricing
The U.S. sees no worth will increase year-over-year for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4. This parallels properly with the gas-powered 2026 MINI Countryman. In fact, since little modifications, that’s virtually a requirement. So, for $45,200 (earlier than $1,175 vacation spot and dealing with), the Countryman EV is decidedly not center of the pack. The Kia Niro EV and Volvo EX30 each begin a couple of thousand {dollars} cheaper. That mentioned, the Countryman EV does supply a splash of character decidedly missing from the competitors.
2026 MINI Countryman EV: Our Take
Is the Countryman EV somewhat bit costly? Sure. Will we want — particularly for the U.S. market — that it had somewhat bit extra vary? Positive. Is “MINI-ness” at an all-time low? Possibly, since that is the largest MINI up to now by a large margin. Nevertheless, the Countryman EV’s good efficiency and glorious normal options make it a a lot viable possibility for individuals who need an EV with some spunk. Don’t be fooled by preliminary MSRP comparisons; the MINI comes normal with a variety of stuff that the competitors solely gives with a hefty upcharge. The small electrical SUV section has blossomed, however the MINI stays aggressive. It’s value including it to your brief listing when you’re available in the market.
