MINI Countryman Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The all-wheel-drive MINI made to tackle unpaved roads and with a higher ground clearance to step over curbs returned on the market in late 2023 with an all-electric drivetrain, wearing the name Countryman SE.

MINI was no longer a small British brand and was recognized worldwide for its abilities. But besides those related to sporty feelings and amazing handling, it also took its first steps into the crossover segment with the introduction of the Countryman in 2010. Its second generation came on the market six years later. By 2023, the subcompact luxury crossover reached its fourth generation, which, unlike its predecessors, was available not just with a choice of diesel or gasoline engines but also with two electric versions. The sportiest one fed by electrons was the SE, which could go on long country trips thanks to its all-wheel drive version that sported the badge ALL4.

This was the first electric generation of the Countryman, and the exterior was affected substantially by this trend. As a result, at the front, the car didn’t have the classic MINI grille surrounded by an octagonal trim but by a panel that was black on its upper side, housing the charging port and a body-colored element on the lower side. Its headlights sported an LED signature light element with a closed angular shape inside the headlamps. From its profile, the car revealed its added five inches (ca. 30 cm) in length, making it more suitable to carry full-grown adults in the back. Unlike the MINI Cooper, the Countryman sported black overfenders around the wheel arches to emphasize the off-road-oriented characteristic. The tall greenhouse sported a roof that was available either in body color, white, black, or in a special mate satin-bronze shade. At the back, the automaker installed a vertical tailgate that sported a roof spoiler on its top, and the taillights were mounted on the quarter panels flanking it.

Inside, the minimalist design of the cabin impressed with high-quality vegan materials. MINI used special fabric or artificial leather for the seats in the base trim level. The door cards and the dashboard were also covered with fabric, creating a relaxing ambiance for the car’s occupants. In front of the driver, the manufacturer installed a three-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons and a head-up display for main information. In addition, atop the center stack, the automaker placed a 9.5” touchscreen for the infotainment system. These elements were shared with the Cooper, but the vertical vents were unique for the Countryman. For the front occupants, MINI installed tall seats with bolstered areas and integrated headrests, while in the back was a split-folding bench seat where two adults could comfortably sit thanks to the longer wheelbase compared to the previous Countryman generation.

The Countryman SE ALL4 was powered by a combination of electric motors for a total output of 230 kW (308 hp), making it the most potent Countryman to date. Its 433 km (269 miles) range was enough for short and medium trips across country roads or a picnic in nature.

The British automaker MINI introduced a new generation for the Countryman lineup, and besides the electric-only version, it also produced an ICE-powered version known as Countryman C.

MINI’s lineup and models grew in size over the years, and the Countryman was the largest of them all. Not only did it feature more doors, but it also featured a higher ground clearance and, as a result, a taller stance. But that didn’t bother customers, especially those who didn’t think that a MINI should remain tiny like the original vehicle penned in the late ‘50s by Sir Alec Issigonis. After BMW took over the British brand, it created a wider range of products, and the Countryman was the one that helped MINI enter the small-sized crossover market in 2010. By 2023, this model reached its third generation and was available with electric or gasoline-powered powertrains.

At the front, the third generation of the Countryman sported a new set of headlights that ditched the formerly used round shape and adopted an angular one surrounded by daytime running lights. Between them, the automaker placed the grille crossed by the thick beam that sported the license plate and adorned by a contrasting-color octagonal-shaped trim. Furthermore, unlike the electric version, the Countryman C featured an actual grille that helped to cool the engine. But, just like its EV sibling, it sported a silver plastic trim underneath the bumper that mimicked a skid plate.

From its profile, the Countryman C featured black plastic trims around the wheel arches that emphasized the car’s higher ground clearance. Compared with its predecessor, the 2024 Countryman C was 13 cm (5.1 inches) longer and 8 cm (3.14 inches) taller. Furthermore, MINI installed black side sills and left the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers unpainted, making them more appropriate against scratches. Unlike many other automakers that were using black B- and C-pillars, the Countryman C featured all posts with a piano-black accent, the only difference being the C-pillars that sported a silver plastic trim on their upper sides. Finally, at the back, the car featured a regular tailgate flanked by taillights sporting the Union Jack.

But one of the most significant upgrades for the car was inside the cabin. The dashboard sported a touch-sensitive OLED display with a 240 mm (9.4 inches) diameter for the infotainment system. MINI made the Countryman C in four trim levels: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW. At the front, customers enjoyed the bolstered seats, while in the back, the automaker installed a split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat that could expand the trunk space from a regular 450 liters (15.9 cu-ft) to 1,460 liters (51.6 cu-ft).

MINI installed a mild-hybrid powertrain for the Countryman C. The internal combustion unit was a turbocharged inline-three engine that produced 170 PS (168 hp) and an electric motor that helped it during acceleration with an additional 14 kW (19 hp). All the oomph went in all corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In 2020, the British automaker MINI facelifted the second generation of its largest vehicle, the Countryman crossover, to keep it fresh in terms of technology and refinement.

The world was still suffering from the pandemic situation, but the car industry had to move on with all the difficulties it endured. On May 27, 2020, MINI released the facelift for its B-segment crossover, the Countryman. Even though it didn't have too many changes at first sight, it was drastically improved. It featured new exterior and interior upgrades and, most importantly, new engines that complied with the Euro 6d emission standards that were due to become mandatory starting in January 2021. The largest MINI in production at that time was not just a fun vehicle but also one that could tackle some unpaved roads and bring more joy to its owners thanks to its available all-wheel drive systems and advanced safety features. In addition, the automaker also improved the infotainment system.

The 2020 MINI Countryman showcased a refreshed front fascia featuring a new grille with three chromed horizontal slats. The redesigned headlights, now with encircling daytime running lights, added a touch of modernity. The car also boasted new adaptive LED headlights, which were standard. The lower bumper was updated with a fresh lower air intake, round fog lamps, and a pair of side scoops, enhancing the car's sporty appeal.

From its profile, MINI didn't change the vehicle that much, but it still offered it with an extra piano-black appearance package. The car's door mirrors were available either in a contrasting or body color. Despite being a small vehicle, the automaker tried to emphasize the higher ground clearance and placed black plastic moldings around the wheel arches and on the side sills. As a result, the subcompact crossover appeared to have a taller ground clearance than it had. Out back, the car sported redesigned LED taillights that sported the Union Jack flag, giving the vehicle a unique appearance on the road.

Inside, the most significant change was noticed on the dashboard, where the car manufacturer installed a new, five-inch binnacle for the instrument cluster. It was carried over from the MINI Electric showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2019. Customers who opted for the piano black package also got specific trims on the door cards and on the dashboard. Atop the center stack, the automaker kept the same options for a 6.5-inch or an 8.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The bucket seats up front were the same as before, albeit the automaker offered them in two new colors: Chester Malt Brown and Indigo Blue.

Under the hood, the base versions came with front-wheel drive systems and six-speed manuals, with an option for a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch). All-wheel drive versions were available and fitted with a standard eight-speed automatic. Besides the gasoline and turbodiesel engines, the 2020 Countryman also had a plug-in hybrid version featuring standard AWD. It was powered by a turbocharged inline-three and an electric motor fed by a 9.6 kWh battery.

When it was launched in 2016, the MINI Countryman was the biggest MINI ever made by the British manufacturer. It wasn't that mini-vehicle anymore.

The MINI customers started to ask for roomier interiors and real seating for at least four adult passengers. A 5-door MINI was brought on the market and it was loved and hated at the same time. It wasn't a MINI anymore, but it wasn't something else either. Then, the Countryman was shown and that shut some critics away. The crossover and SUV market grew fast after the year 2000 and a MINI Crossover was better received than a simple, 5-door MINI.

From the outside, the Countryman was unmistakable. It was clear that it belongs to the MINI brand. The front fascia, with the rather angular headlights and the specifically shaped grille, were kept. The extended roof and the addition of an extra pair of doors transformed the MINI into a family SUV. It even received an all-wheel-drive system, named All4 for the Countryman. All of a sudden, the car was not competing into the small-segment but rather into the small-SUV market against the Audi Q2 and the Nissan Juke. Unlike its sibling, the Clubman, the Countryman featured a single-piece liftgate. The flared wheel-arches with black plastic trims enhanced the off-road appearance.

Inside, the dashboard featured the typical MINI design, with a big, round, center-mounted screen for the infotainment unit and the speedometer. In front of the driver, there was a round analog dial and a side smaller panel with warning lights. In the rear, there were sliding and reclining seats for the outboard places.

The Countryman was offered with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines, with front or all-wheel-drive, with manual or automatic transmission.

The MINI was not that small anymore and the customers always asked for more. And the Countryman version was just about what some of them asked: a small crossover vehicle.

After it was kept by BMW to represent them in the small-size premium segment, the MINI brand started to pick-up speed. At first, it was just another small-size vehicle, with a Chrysler engine in it. Then, it was powered by BMW-PSA jointly developed units. After that, the all-wheel-drive came into the equation and the MINI became a crossover.

It was taller, longer, and roomier than its stablemates. It featured new headlights and black molds on the wheel-arches to emphasize the off-road look. It wasn't an off-road vehicle though, but it mimicked one. The tailgate was curved and vertical. Since the car proved to be successful on the U.S. market, the car-maker mounted the rear lights on the fixed rear quarter panels.

Inside, the MINI Countryman offered room for four adults, with easy access through the rear doors. In the back, there was a bigger luggage compartment and, if there was more room needed, the rear seatback could have been folded completely or just in a split way. The only problem for the rear passengers was the transmission tunnel. Other than that, it offered a decent amount of legroom and headroom.

The Countryman was offered with a choice of four gasoline units and three diesel. The standard transmission for the entire range was with a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed auto was on the options list. It was offered with a front, or all-wheel-drive.

The original MINI was released in the 60s’ at it was driven and loved by everyone. Each member of The Beatles had their own MINI.

However, people needed a more practical car, with 5 doors. That’s what also happened in 2010 when BMW decided that it was time to enlarge a the mini car.

The Mini Cooper Countryman was rather a small crossover in direct competition with the Nissan Qashqai.

The dimensions were changed, the Country Man being 10cm wider and 15cm taller, becoming the biggest model Mini ever released.

The Countryman was safer, more spacious and great on longer distances. It kept the Mini’s driving feel with the quick steering and instant feedback.

The perfect 50-50 distribution front to rear made a well-balanced crossover that did well in turns - not as well as the 3-door Mini, but close.

The exterior design was minimal, while everything has been upscaled. The wheels were pushed out to the extremities for better handling.

The Countryman offered a variety of diesel and petrol engines that were mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The interior design was pretty much the same as the standard Mini, with the chrome tipped switches all clustered together. The center of the dashboard was occupied by a color screen on which you could check several information.

Space wise, the rear seats could easily accommodate grown ups - a rear bench was also available. The reclining rear seats were a plus for the passengers or the trunk space.

Through the middle of the rear seats, an optional centre rail was available, where items could be clipped.

The trunk was double the size of the Mini and the rear seats were also foldable, thus the load area could be increased.

Safety wise, the Countryman was equipped with ESP, 6 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and others.