2023 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 2.0L AWD (312 HP)

Vehicle Overview

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.