Mini's new electric Countryman SUV spied testing

The next-generation Mini Countryman is getting an electric variant, which will be one of two EV SUVs the brand will launch by mid-decade.

Our spy photographers have snapped the all-new electric Countryman undergoing winter testing in Europe ahead of an expected debut this year.

The electric variant will reportedly debut six months after its internal-combustion counterpart, and could replace the current plug-in hybrid version.

Mini has confirmed the next-generation Countryman will be made in Leipzig, Germany alongside the BMW X1 and iX1, with which it will share its platform.

The Countryman EV therefore could share its powertrain with the iX1, which uses a 64.7kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with total system outputs of 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque.

BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds and up to 438km of WLTP range.

The iX1 supports both single- and three-phase AC charging at a rate of up to 11kW, though you can optionally increase this to 22kW.

It supports DC charging at up to 130kW, and BMW claims you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes.

The Countryman’s interior should be roomier than the outgoing model, with reports suggesting the new model could be some 200mm longer than the current model, which measures 4313mm from tip to tail.

Previous spy photos of the petrol Countryman show a free-standing digital instrument cluster, head-up display and a large, circular touchscreen infotainment system.

Meanwhile, the Countryman’s exterior styling is evolutionary, with the familiar Mini face up front.

The new Countryman will remain the brand’s largest model, and will sit atop an expanded line-up.

• The 3-door hatch, available with petrol and electric power. It’s expected to be smaller than the current car.
• The Aceman electric SUV that will slot between the 3-door hatch and the Countryman and is expected in 2024.
• The Countryman SUV, increased in size to now compete with the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA with petrol and electric power
• Another premium compact car which is yet to be revealed and will be based on the Vision Urbanaut concept.
• A new convertible, due in 2025.

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