Article Abstract
- A brand new Countryman particular version or trim degree with an off-road focus is within the works.
- MINI’s Head of Design Holger Hampf says the rugged Countryman is coming within the subsequent couple of years.
- Count on all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, additional plastic physique cladding, and all-terrain tires.
The third-generation Countryman continues to be a comparatively new product, having been round for under a few years. That doubtless means we haven’t seen every thing MINI has deliberate for the U25 era. With manufacturing reportedly persevering with into the early 2030s, there’s loads of time for added variants to increase the lineup.
Working example, MINI just lately launched a Countryman Rugged Version in South Africa. Pictured on the backside, it’s largely a beauty package deal. Whereas it does get Common Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires and some equipment, it stays very a lot the identical compact crossover beneath. A extra substantial particular model aimed toward adventure-minded patrons is on the best way, in accordance with the corporate’s Head of Design.
In an interview with Motor1, Holger Hampf revealed plans for a brand new Countryman taste with a stronger off-road focus: “One factor that I can level out is the development of outside exercise and independence—freedom that the automobile has at all times given us. You’ll definitely see a few of that within the subsequent couple of years.”
Though the previous Head of BMW Group Designworks didn’t present particulars, it’s not laborious to think about what’s coming. Logic suggests the Countryman might spawn a particular version or trim degree that includes a raised suspension and extra physique cladding. These all-terrain tires talked about earlier are prone to be normal, together with all-wheel drive.
In fact, we shouldn’t count on MINI to remodel the Countryman right into a Jeep Wrangler rival. Even with improved functionality off the overwhelmed path, it in all probability gained’t deal with really demanding trails. In any case, it is a unibody crossover that may’t match the off-road prowess of a body-on-frame automobile.
Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see MINI broadening its horizons by leaning into the off-road house. It wouldn’t be the primary Countryman modified to deal with more durable terrain. Bear in mind the X-Raid? It was primarily based on the previous-generation mannequin and carried Dakar Rally vibes. These pictures present a formulation that was later reused for a street-legal off-roader derived idea from the present U25.
It stays unclear whether or not MINI’s father or mother firm, BMW, will introduce an equal X1 able to get soiled. We do know that the BMW Group plans to debut a standalone mannequin, internally often called the “Rugged” challenge, in 2029. The corporate reportedly intends to place the three-row SUV, codenamed “G69,” in opposition to rivals such because the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It will not be as hardcore as these two, but it surely ought to be extra succesful off-road than any BMW earlier than it.
The BMW Group could also be arriving late to the off-road social gathering, but it surely seems decided to make up for misplaced time.
Supply: Motor1
2026 MINI Countryman Rugged Version
