People love to hate Mini, for whatever reason. I mean, some of them are justified. The post-2003 Cooper is known for being a pocket rocket, but there’s a running gag that it’s also kind of a steaming pile to own. Some enthusiasts wanted Mini to figure out how to improve its reputation for reliability. It did, kind of, but mostly focused on expanding to other model likethe not-so-mini Countryman. This small crossover has been the fall guy for Mini’s woes since its introduction back in 2010.
“That ain’t no Mini, why are they building a bland crossover?” asked every automotive enthusiast for the past 15 years.
For 2025, the Countryman is back and bigger than it has ever been. The gas-powered S is back, but we're focused on the all-electric SE. I’m not going to make excuses for the car’s size and how it low-key runs counter to the ethos of the Mini brand. But I do think the conversation is a little tired in this context. The Countryman is part of BMW group’s push to compete in the global market with its EVs. It also marks the start of a renaissance for Mini itself, which has suffered from faltering sales and questions as to where it fits in both BMW's strategy and the market as a whole.
Underneath, the Countryman SE is a compact electric crossover about the same size as the BMW X1. Power comes from a dual-motor setup with 308 horsepower going to all four wheels, fed by a relatively small 64.6 kWh (usable) battery. This car has an EPA-rated range of 212 miles. To get a Countryman SE just like the one I’ve got for the next week, expect to pay $51,145.
On paper, these numbers sound a little milquetoast. Over the next week I aim to find out if the Countryman SE is more than the sum of its parts. This car also features Mini’s new UI complete with a circular OLED screen. I want to know, is this any good? Or should Mini give up now?
What would you like to know about the 2025 Mini Countryman SE? Tell us in the comments, or feel free to send me an e-mail at kevin.williams@insideevs.com.
