World Premier: the Refreshed 2021 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman has been a runaway success for the MINI brand since it’s inception a decade ago. While plenty attention has been paid to the electric Mini Cooper SE and JCW GP, it’s the Countryman that keep the brand alive in well in markets like the US. Which is why the refreshed 2021 MINI Countryman might just be the biggest news of the year for the brand.
The refreshed 2021 MINI Countryman is what BMW insiders call an LCI or life-cycle impulse. Typically an LCI is a collection of design and engineering evolutions which keeps the car current throughout the typical 7 year model cycle. For the F60 Countryman, the LCI is mostly focused on design with a handful of new exterior design elements and color choices. The most obvious is the new front-end that emphasizes the height of the Countryman. There’s also new LED headlights and LED foglight (now standard in the US) and LED rear lights that pay homage to the Union Jack.
MINI is also offering White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic along with a Piano Black exterior option that replaces most of the exterior chrome. Finally there’s a series of new wheels that are more angular and emphasize the SUV aspects of the Countryman.
Inside MINI has finally added the new all digital gauge cluster as an option. There are also updates to the center stack with a new Piano Black high gloss finish as standard. Look for new seating and trim options as well. Beyond the styling changes MINI has updated MINI Connected with new features and a refined interface.
The new 2021 MINI Countryman models are expected to arrive in US showrooms nationwide later this summer. More information on US-specific pricing, options and packages, and EPA figures will be released this summer.
Our Take on the 2021 MINI Countryman LCI
No surprises here. This is a relatively minor LCI that focuses on design evolution over mechanicals changes. Luckily what has changes feel both inline with the overall Countryman aesthetic while visually separating it even more from the rest of the line. The addition of the digital cluster and revised center stack design help things feel a bit more modern while the standard LEDs offer a bit of value.
Is it enough? The Countryman is still the brand’s volume leader globally and competes well with its competition – even five years after its release. While this LCI isn’t dramatic in any sense, it offers some smart updates to an already good crossover.
OFFICIAL RELEASE
MINI announces the new 2021 MINI Countryman featuring a newly updated design, along with enhancements in technology andequipment offerings. Most importantly it retains MINI’s “fun-to-drive” character and expressive design that makes it instantly recognizable as MINI. As the largest and most versatile member of the MINI model family, the new 2021 MINI Countryman offers individual flair in the hallmark style of the British premium brand.
The MINI Countryman has proven itself as an attractive vehicle concept in the premium compact cross-over segment, offering a versatile and ample interior with seating for five. The optional ALL4 all-wheel drive system makes the new MINI Countryman an all-around talent that inspires MINI driving fun, whether on the road in day-to-day traffic, or on long-distance trips, or even when venturing off the beaten path into unsurfaced terrain.
The progressive character of the new MINI Countryman is reflected in a range of model variants, from the plug-in hybrid drive MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 to the high performance MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. The new MINI Countryman also features new digital MINI Connected services and a range of additional features, options and accessories, including Original MINI Accessories.
The new MINI Countryman continues to expand the appeal of the MINI brand to a broader range of customers. Even in its first generation, the MINI Countryman was a pioneer, expanding brand appeal to customers who were looking for a compact cross-over that offered a unique combination of versatility and fun-to-drive with a stylish and expressive design.
As MINI’s first model with an exterior length of more than 13 feet, four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and all-wheel drive, the MINI Countryman laid the foundations for the brand’s highly successful advance into the premium compact crossover segment. In the US the MINI Countryman remains one of the brand’s most popular models, accounting for close to 40% of all MINIs sold in calendar year 2019. And on a worldwide basis, the Countryman accounts for close to 30% of all new registrations.
The launch of the current model generation offers further refinements in areas of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort. In addition, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 plug-in-hybrid model continues to offer electrified mobility with greater efficiency and fewer emissions. The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 offers a compelling combination of efficiency, hybrid-specific all-wheel drive and the option of purely electric powered driving fun.
In addition to the plug-in hybrid variant, the new MINI Countryman variants offer three gasoline engines featuring the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The engines have seen extensive further development and cover an output spectrum ranging from 134 hp to 301 hp.
The new MINI Countryman: an overview of the highlights.
- Distinctive front design with newly designed radiator grill.
- LED headlights and LED fog lights now as standard.
- LED rear lights in Union Jack design.
- New body finishes, new option Piano Black Exterior.
- New light alloy wheels.
- Cooper ALL4, Cooper S All4 and JCW ALL4 variants offer 8-speed Steptronictransmission standard.
- Cooper FWD variant offers 7-speed DCT transmission standard.
- Cooper S FWD variant offers 7-Speed Sport DCT transmission standard
- Cooper SE PHEV variant offers 6-speed automatic transmission standard
- New digital cockpit display with 5-inch color screen as an option.
- Newly designed central instrument in Piano Black High Gloss as standard.
- New range of leather trims and interior surfaces.
- New version of the MINI Yours Interior Style.
- MINI Connected with new functions.
- Extended range of Original MINI Accessories.
Distinctive proportions, powerful charisma.
Thanks to its unique design and proportions as the brand’s largest vehicle offering, the new MINI Countryman is instantly recognizable as a MINI. The three-part structure of the vehicle body that is typical of MINI is interpreted in a particularly striking way by the model-specific roof line. The car’s upright stature and increased ground clearance signal the vehicle’s generous interior space, robust character and inspiring driving characteristics on both paved and unsurfaced terrain. The optional MINI ALL4 Exterior Styling is standard in the Iconic trim, while the roof rails are standard on all Countryman – further underline the versatility of the new MINI Countryman.
The updated design of the car’s front section lends new emphasis to the powerful charisma of the new MINI Countryman. The newly designed front and rear bumper coverings, now entirely in body finish, lend a more refined appearance. The redesigned radiator grille features hexagonal contours that are typical of MINI and it is surrounded by a slim-lined, one-piece chrome frame. The grille’s air intake is subdivided by three horizontal struts in the MINI Cooper Countryman. The radiator grill of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman is characterized by a bold hexagonal grid pattern with a red “S” and a single chrome strut.
Bright spot: LED headlights now standard.
The redesign of the front fascia now adds LED headlights to the standard trim in the new MINI Countryman: here, the latest version of these lights features a particularly high-quality design that emphasizes the technology used. The distinctive, asymmetrically rounded contours of the headlights are accentuated by a continuous band of light that takes on the function of both daytime driving light and turn indicator. The turning light included in the functional range of the LED headlights provides clear illumination of the side areas of the road when turning or changing lanes. The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes LED fog lights, with a light band in the upper semicircle of each fog light serving as a parking light. Adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution are available as a newly added standard feature.
Redesigned rear fascia and LED lights in Union Jack design.
With its redesigned bumper trim, the rear fascia also enhances the more powerful and contemporary look of the new MINI Countryman. The upright rear lights with chrome frame design evokes the origins of the British brand. All lighting functions now feature high-quality LED technology as standard, while the graphic structure of the light source reflects the pattern of the Union Jack. Paying homage to MINI’s origins as a distinctively British brand, the flag motif projects an unmistakable form – both day and night – clearly identifying the car as a MINI.
Striking look: two new body finishes, Piano Black Exterior and new alloy wheels.
The range of body finishes opens up new possibilities for an individual look, including the newly added colors White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic. Depending on the model variant, the roof and mirror caps of the new MINI Countryman can be finished in black, white or silver as an alternative to the body color.
The Piano Black Exterior option – likewise new and available on all variants of the new MINI Countryman – offers a striking and attractive appearance: here, the headlamp surrounds, rear lights, radiator grill and side indicator side scuttles – are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome, as are the door handles and the model lettering on the luggage compartment lid. Additional identification features in high-gloss black are available from the range of Original MINI Accessories, including the MINI logo andthe “Cooper S” and “ALL4” inscriptions in Piano Black design. Matching exterior mirror caps and side scuttles with a grey-black flag pattern in Night Jack design are also available as an accessory.
Depending on the model variant, the new MINI Countryman is fitted standard with 17-inch light alloy wheels, with light alloy wheels in sizes up to 19 inches available as optional extras and as part of the Original MINI Accessories program. 17-inch light alloy wheels in Channel Spoke Black design are new to the range of ex works options, as are 19-inch light alloy Turnstile Spoke 2-tone wheels.
Interior: Ample space with more individual style.
The new MINI Countryman combines versatile driving characteristics with a versatile interior. Second row seating for three can be folded to expand cargo capacity. By folding down the rear seat with a 40 : 20 : 40 split, storage space can be extended from 17.6 – 47.6 cubic ft.
Selective customization of the interior based on customer’s personal style is further enhanced with the addition of new options and choices. The leather variants Chesterfield Indigo Blue and Chesterfield Malt Brown have been newly added to the selection of seat upholstery options. The Color Line for the lower section of the instrument panel and door trim is now an integral part of the leather trim designed to match the relevant color scheme.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 models now come as standard with Piano Black interior surfaces for the cockpit and door bezels. These are combined with accent strips in the variant British Oak dark. A new version of the highly exclusive MINI Yours interior surfaces is optionally available for all model variants. The optional MINI Yours Interior Style Shaded Silver conveys stylish sporty flair. This is ensured by combining an illuminated cockpit bezel in the variant Shaded Silver with door bezels in Dark Silver and accentuation strips in Hazy Grey.
Engines with optimized MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology
A further developed engine portfolio enables the new MINI Countryman to achieve an even greater balance between driving fun and fuel consumption. In addition to further optimization of CO2 levels for Europe, other aspects of the emissions performance have been likewise consistently improved by means of the relevant measures – including particulate filters for gasoline engines.
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is used in the 3-cylinder gasoline engines of the new MINI Cooper Countryman and in the 4-cylinder gasoline engine of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman, and now includes an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head along with turbo charging. Among other things, this ensures highly effective cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system. At the same time, crankcase cooling can be reduced when demand is low under partial load by means of a new split cooling valve. In addition, gasoline engine direct injection operates at a maximum pressure that has been increased from 200 to 350 bar.
ALL4 – optional for two engine variants – a standard feature of the plug-in hybrid and John Cooper Works.
MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system provides a noticeable boost in terms of traction, driving stability and agility. Offering an alternative to the brand’s hallmark front-wheel power transmission, this system is optionally available for two model variants of the new MINI Countryman – the Cooper and Cooper S. With its fast and precise electronic control, the system ensures need-based distribution of power between the front and rear wheels in all road surface and weather conditions.
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is fitted with a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system as standard. It is provided by the precisely controlled interaction between a 3-cylinder petrol engine, transmitting its power to the front wheels with an electric synchronous motor that acts on the rear wheels. Together, the two power units produce a system output of 224 hp. The John Cooper Works variant that also comes standard with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system.
8-speed Steptronic transmission standard for two more model variants.
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a 6-speed Steptronic transmission standard. Meanwhile the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 now features an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, as does the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. The MINI Cooper Countryman with front wheel drive comes standard with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), while the MINI Cooper S Countryman with front wheel drive gets a 7-speed Sport DCT.
The new MINI Countryman is available in six model variants:
Sport leather steering wheel, digital cockpit.
The interior of the new MINI Countryman also has maintained its appeal with premium range of standard equipment. It includes a sports leather steering wheel in all model variants. In the new MINI Countryman, the front passenger can also adapt seat height as required. Electrically adjustable seats are available as an option and include a memory function on the driver’s side.
An optional digital instrument display is available for the new MINI Countryman. The display in Black Panel design behind the steering wheel has a diameter of 5.0 inches. The range of audio and navigation systems has been updated. The Connected Media and Connected Navigation Plus options are available as an alternative to the basic configuration. Each include an 8.8-inch color screen with touchscreen function located in the central instrument that is typical of the brand.
The 8.8” Media Display is offered in the Classic Trim. The 8.8” Touchscreen Navigation is offered in the Signature Trim and the 8.8” Touchscreen Navigation Plus is offered in the Iconic Trim. The circular control unit in the new MINI Countryman exhibits a refined appearance, with the audio control panel, the buttons for hazard lights, and driver assistance systems now integrated more seamlessly. Meanwhile touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces underscore the premium character of the central instrumentation.
The new MINI Countryman: always connected thanks to intelligent networking.
The new MINI Countryman is equipped with a SIM card that is permanently fitted in the car. This enables use of Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity, as well as MINI TeleServices. The Connected Media option includes a wide range of MINI Connected digital services. The new MINI Countryman is always online, enabling seamless integration of the newly optional Amazon Alexa voice assistant, available on the Iconic Trim which includes the 8.8”Touchscreen Navigation Plus system.
This provides access to the Real Time Traffic Information service as well as the internet platform MINI Online and preparation for Apple CarPlay. MINI Connected can be used to send navigation destinations from the smartphone to the vehicle. The mobile phone connection also means that the vehicle’s navigation map is updated automatically.
Individual style for retrofitting: MINI Original Accessories.
High-quality retrofit options from the program of MINI Original Accessories enable functionality, convenience, driving fun and individual style to be adapted to personal preferences in the new MINI Countryman. The selection ranges from a rear bicycle rack, a roof box, a molded luggage compartment mat and all-weather floor mats, to individual MINI LED door projectors from the MINI Yours Customized program and John Cooper Works performance products designed for extreme driving fun.
The front bumper especially looks quite good. This gives me more hope for the design language of the next generation.
Unexpectedly significantly improved inside-and-out. A great nip/tuck. I love the new color — best since Moonwalk Grey.
The article doesn’t state about any safety updates like Blind Spot Warning. BMW has these so its about time MINI should have them.
BMW doesn’t have these on any cars based on the UKL platform. An obvious mis-step given the platform was planned for and designed in the early 2010s. The next generation will have them.
They gave the update new mirrors, odd they could just add additional wiring. The Volvo XC40 might be the better buy in terms of safety and value.
It’s a bit more complicated than that unfortunately.
The wiring harness used in the Countryman and Clubman doesn’t support blind spot. They’ve tested it before and there were always issues. Next gen will have it.
It’s worth recalling that the Countryman was MINI’s saviour. The R50/R52/R53 made little money for BMW and the second generation, except for the R56, only sold in small numbers, by which time the BMW Board was on the verge of pulling the plug on MINI.
All that changed with the launch of the R60 Countryman, which not only sold surprisingly well, it cost little more to build than its siblings and helped turn around the company’s fortune. At the peak of MINI’s sales, 75% were accounted for by the R60 and R56.
As a consequence, according to sources, the next generation MINI will be based on two platforms; a big MINI based on the FAAR platform and a small MINI based on an all-electric JV platform with Great Wall Motor, with three versions respectively on offer:
1. All-Electric Small MINI:
MINI-mini City Car
MINI 2dr Hardtop
MINI 4dr Crossover
2. FAAR Based MINI:
MINI Countryman SUV
MINI Spaceman MPV
MINI Sportsman Crossover
The MINI-mini is unlikely to be marketed in the U.S.
Gabe, I’m surprised that MF didn’t get offered either the Cooper S E Hardtop or the Countryman S E PHEV – or does MINI USA think electric models don’t need increased online visibility?
Great questions. The Cooper SE is seeing such dramatic demand that there aren’t enough cars to go around and the 2021 SE PHEV isn’t in the press fleet yet.
Thanks – I just noticed the US configurator for is finally updated for the PHEV <a href="https://www.miniusa.com/model/countrymanhybrid.html" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.miniusa.com/model/countrymanhybrid.html</a> – that’s a good sign toward increased availability, I hope.
The next long-term MINI that MF should be running is the MINI Electric. Yes I know it’s not on your list, but in an ideal world it should be. Otherwise, opt for the JCW Countryman – it will make for a more meaningful comparison with your long-term JCW Clubman while the experience of running that car is still fresh.
By the way, BMW has just announced that the contract with NedCar for building the current F60 Countryman in the Netherlands will cease at the end of 2023 and that subsquently the all-new G60 Countryman will be built “In house”. The F57 Convertible is also built under contract by NedCar and is unlikely to be replaced when its production ceases.
<a href="https://insideevs.com/reviews/450626/best-mini-cooper-se-review/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://insideevs.com/reviews/450626/best-mini-cooper-se-review/</a>
Mini USA offered the choice of cars that sell less…
The Countryman has consistently been the best selling MINI in the U.S.
Absolutely correct.
MINI SE
I just pulled the trigger on the 2021 JCW Countryman this week! Excited to get it in the next few months. Literally the only thing I was disappointed with was that they are not offering the 19 circuit spoke wheels currently so I had to opt for the black 18’s.
gp3
We tried 🙂
A high proportion over low sales, does not mean much
Countryman JCW. I’d test driven one back in March, when they were relatively scarce due to the pandemic ramping up. Were it not for the color scheme and the fact it RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE TEST drive, I might have gone for it then. Alas time, (lack of) availability and circumstance resulted in me now owning its kissing cousin, a BMW X2 M35i. But it was a blast while it was running.
Looks good but why didn’t they wait until the next styling updates which have already been shown online? Maybe they had some JCW body kits laying around.
This has been in the planning stages for a long time vs the 2022 face lifted which won’t hit until middle of next year.
The 1499 GT was available in Europe in 2018. Certainly a good looking package, at a good price.
Kind of funny that the manual transmission is standard and automatic is optional, when 80% are coming with the auto. It’s the other way around 😉
Just about perfect. Time to call my dealer and start the sales campaign with my family.
I read that Mini is limiting the 1499 GT to 150 copies for the U.S. market. No telling how many will be manuals.
You read that above… and there are 30 manuals per the article above.
It is not really “back to basics” with such aesthetic options, JCW seats, navigation, automatic climate control etc etc…
A Cooper with an automatic transmission, standard suspension, and fancy rims with all-season tires is for “driving enthusiasts”? :-/
So if the new gen G56 3 door is arriving in late 2022 (MY23), does this mean we are going to be getting the 2nd LCI on the F56 for only the 2022 model year? I would have expected to see the new G56 arrive in 2023 for model year 2024.
LCI arrives next spring. The fourth generation MINI will hit in late 22 at the earliest giving the LCI 1.5 years.
The plan for MINI’s next generation of cars is “80 per cent complete” according to the Head of MINI, Bernd Körber in an exclusive interview with Auto Express published today, and will be based on a portfolio of three core models.
1. The first core model, to arrive in 2023, is the three-door Hatch – effectively the replacement for the F56 – and will be sold in two versions; fully electric built in China on the JV platform with Great Wall Motor for the global market, and a petrol model built in MINI Plant Oxford on the same platform engineered by BMW for ICE.
2. The second core model due in 2024 will be an “electric-only” Crossover to effectively replace the F55 and will be built in China on an extended version of JV platform again for the global market.
3. The third core model will replace the F60 Countryman and will be built on the latest version of the FAAR platform shared with the X1 and will be offered in petrol, diesel or fully electric, and will be built “in-house”. There will be no PHEV option on the next generation Countryman.
Bernd Körber stressed that the next generation of EVs “MAKES THE CASE FOR A MINI PHEV REDUNDANT”.
Question marks still remain, however, over the Clubman and Convertible. Bernd Körber would only say that an official decision had yet to be made on the future of those models, but that he “hoped that the drop-top would make it to the next generation”.
Of particular interest is Bernd Körber’s revelation that “The next phase in our portfolio is to turn the John Cooper Works into its own electrified performance sub-brand, which could also have its own dedicated model”. He went on to say, “What we would like to do is make John Cooper Works a real electric performance brand”.
Ill personally be heartbroken if the Clubman leaves the lineup. I have had 3 so far, and it is by far the best “all-arounder” that MINI makes.
Sorry Lucas, but there’s no place in business for sentiment. MINI’s CEO, Bernd Körber, has previously stated that every single model in the next generation MINI range will have to pay its own way. Profit is, and has always been, the lifeblood in any company.
The ‘three core models’ in MINI’s next generation portfolio, will effectively replace the current F60/F56/F55. It’s no coincidence that the F60/F56/F55 have consistently been the top best sellers in the current MINI range. The F54 Clubman and F57 Convertible have consistently been the poorest sellers in the range.
As the owner of two first generation (2006) MINIs (R53), the decision to return to the shorter overhang, smaller overall size for the G56 sounds great. My MINI ownership has followed an unusual path over the past 10 years: F55 to R56 to R53. So, you can see that the plans for the G56 are of interest. I will be following this closely.
I’m keenly following the back-and-forth on the fate of the convertible as, other things being equal, I would be looking to replace mine in the 2023-24 timeframe. If it’s going to be axed, I’d face the choice of accelerating the purchase or moving to something completely different – there aren’t many options but the Mustang drop-top will probably survive. Obviously the whole market has moved away from small cars and convertibles in particular, but my hope is that at some point the tide must ebb – the sea of greyscale SUVs is already depressing enough without Mini adding to the mix. Sure, today’s crossovers drive better than their predecessors, but overall it’s as if “fun-to-drive” is treated by the industry as an anachronism or a concept left to high-dollar semi-exotics. The notion of an X3-based “Mini” makes me shudder. It’s as if we are collectively resigning ourselves to self-driving pods before the technology has even arrived.
Personally, I would not lose any sleep over the suggestion of a much larger MINI SUV based on the X3 CLAR platform. Gabe is correct that in a previous interview with Autocar six months ago, Bernd Köber did say that “It is something that MINI should look at for the future”. I suspect that this was an idea that came about during a product planning brain-storming session!
In his most recent interview with Auto Express, however, Bernd Körber said that the next generation Countryman, the third core model, would be larger and said, “I would say in terms of dimensions, we talk half a segment increase for the Countryman, so in the direction of X1 size but with MINI proportions”. He was absolutely clear that the “three core models” would form the basis for the next generation of MINIs.
Old thread, however the EPA range is woefully inaccurate for the mini (and probably the i3s as well in truth). The mini gets an easy 140miles in mixed travel, more like 150+ in the city only, and 125 on the freeway. The average consumption has been tested by several people, including Bjorn Nyland, at 12.8kWh/100km (4.9m/kWh) at a constant 90kph. Around the city, you can get a lot better. The main difference is air friction (CdA). The mini has a CdA of 0.63 vs 0.77 for the i3s. This means the i3s uses 1.2 times as much energy punching through the air at the same speed. They use the same motor/electronics, so there is no efficiency gain/loss. The mini should be about 1.2 times as efficient.
I really am at a loss for what to say. When I first read through this article, my heart sank. Then there was slight pause of disbelief.
Logically, I understand the desire to produce electric cars (after all they should soon be cheaper to make than ICE). However, I am sure that many other JCW and aspirational JCW owners don’t want JCW to be an electric only sub-brand. Plug in Hybrid sure…actual pure electric: pass,
Personally, I love driving my R53 JCW and I even drive it on long road trips. So the idea that any future JCW model will be a range and charging speed limited electric is just saddening as it means that I will likely never buy a new JCW. In fact, it probably means I’ll just have to keep my R53 JCW forever.
It won’t be right away but MINI won’t be the only automaker moving in this direction. And ultimately most will.
I love my electric MINI Cooper SE so much. Imagining improving battery technology reducing the weight and increasing the power sounds fantastic. Keep the ICE JCW for those who love the sound and need to go long distances, but the electric version will certainly be more fun.
This is the obvious candidate for a unique electric JCW:
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Exactly what I was thinking. Would love to see an all electric version of this be built.
Immediately thought of this. It would be amazing! The ultimate slot car.
no thanks
But why tho?
As someone coming from a Classic Mini, who felt that the Cooper SE of all the modern MINIs felt most like the original when tested, I am very exited. The low mounted battery and the torque really suits the MINI.
Cheers from Rasmus – still waiting for his Cooper SE.
Just grab a clubman JCW, jam the front power train of the SE up front, the rear one from the Countryman SE and some 60kwh batteries in the middle…
I came up to this review, and I want to congratulate you on your work.
Your site is a testament, that an enthusiast page / community is the most rich resource of information and guidance.
The comparison between an early gen 1 MCS with a current gen Cooper is very incisive.
More importanly, it provides buyer’s arguments for specific markets. For example, in several European countries, cars are ‘penalised’ for their large engine and emmissions.
In Greece, for example, it is comparatively a lot more expensive to own a 2.0 l MCS as compared to a 1.5 l Cooper, than say, the price & running costs differential in the United States.
Best regards
Nikos
Thessaloniki, Greece
How much heavier than the heavy MINI Cooper SE?
+ 230 kg
The GPE had better be wicked quick if it’s going to weigh as much as a Tesla Model 3! I’m glad my MINI Cooper SE has a small battery to make the car as light as possible–I love it. As Lotus founder, Colin Chapman, famously recommended, “simplify, then add lightness.” Would a lightened SE make sense as an autocross combatant or a club racer?
Bring it! This looks fun!
A limited-edition production run of this all-electric JCW GP will not only sell like hot cakes, it will also add provenance to the next phase in MINI’s portfolio of new models to turn John Cooper Works into, in Bernd Körber’s own words, “…a real electric performance brand”.
A great scoop story Gabe!
I for one loved how the MINI SE felt when I test drove it this summer, it was the most fun I have had in a MINI in a LONG time! I hope that battery tech makes the cells lighter and cheaper, because I know that 120 miles is good for most it will be a deal breaker for many. Sure, the charging network must also be in place but I think that a MINI that gets around 200 miles or real range and performs like a JCW should would be a killer car!
This weekend we bought a 2021 Countryman S E PHEV (shout out to Sam @ MINI of Santa Monica) to replace our beloved high-mileage Honda Fit – we needed 4 doors, plus room inside and on the roof to carry surfing/kayaking gear. We also wanted the flexibility to be mostly electric around town, and to use gas for road trips without needing to stop for recharging.
The electric motor boost and AWD is a blast – the immediate torque is intoxicating when accelerating from a start or when passing at highway speed. And, yes the Countryman totally drives and handles much like a slightly larger version of our 2014 F56 hardtop – quick, direct steering and flat cornering. As much as I will miss our Fit’s 5-speed manual and light weight tossability, our new Countryman promises to be a fun replacement. If the direction for MINI is toward more electric/hybrid vehicles, that’s looking good from here.
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That’s a great looking Countryman you have there. The latest exterior updates have worked wonders; so much better than in the days of the ‘sad clown’s mouth’ grille.
Btw, MINI’s CEO stated in his recent interview with Auto Express, that there will be no PHEV option in the next generation Countryman, only diesel, petrol or all-electric, because he believes that the increased range (above 250 miles) of the next generation of EVs makes a case for a MINI PHEV redundant.
It’s worth adding that MINI’s CEO has also said that MINI is unlikely to use 48V mild-hybrid technology, because he can’t see it being profitable at the brand’s established price point.
The MINI Electric, as it is known in the UK, or MINI Cooper SE in the rest of the world was, according to BMW, “a low budget exercise in the tens of thousands”, and yet it has turned out to be one of the most exciting MINIs, if not the most exciting MINI, to date.
The whole idea of taking a cheeky little aging Hatchback with a platform designed only for ICE, and turning it into an all-electric vehicle on a tiny budget was audacious to say the least, and yet it has worked surprisingly well and clearly has even more potential.
MINI’s CEO has aspirations to turn John Cooper Works into a real electric performance brand, with the first offerings going on sale in 2024. A limited-edition Cooper JCW GPE will establish the necessary provenance for the future electric sub-brand.
MINI says that the Cooper SE has a front-to-rear weight distribution of 54/46 compared to 68/32 for the Cooper S.
So, with the JCW GP having no rear seats, mounting additional battery cells into the rear compartment of a JCW GPE should be relatively easy, and might even improve the weight distribution nearer to 50-50. It’s just a thought.
I can see where these electric cars work in metropolitan areas, but in the USA, away from the coastal met areas, EVs are a nightmare. Folks driving from SF to LA during holliday have experienced over 1 hour waits to charge up. I just drove from Boise,ID to Lodi, CA and filled up in Winnemucca, NV. It took about 3 minites to fill up my car and probably another 5 to buy some snacks. And I made it home to Lodi with plenty gas in my tank. Can you imagine trying to run MTTS with electric MINIs? Good luck. The freedom of travel is going away.
Most households have multiple cars so you can have a gas car that you can road trip in and have an EV that you can commute with. Along with my 2005 MCS Convertible I have a 2017 Chevy Volt. I do my daily commuting burning zero gas but on weekends or road trips I can burn gas if I need to. PHEV is a great solution for now because the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet and most people don’t want to pay at a charging station. With EVs that get 200-250 mile range that is pretty good for many people to drive a whole week to and from work and not have to charge at all. 250 miles would cover all my weekend driving and I would only worry about longer road trips.
<blockquote>I can see where these electric cars work in metropolitan areas, but in the USA, away from the coastal met areas, EVs are a nightmare.</blockquote>
Nah. Maybe a few years ago, but not anymore.
Infrastructure in the northern Mountain West isn’t great, but many areas of the country are easily covered for trips. People with EVs certainly aren’t limited to “coastal met areas.”
Even in your example of Boise to Lodi, a Long Range Tesla could do that ~9.5 hour drive with just ~38 minutes of charging. Unless you’re doing that trip frequently, it’s not the end of the world. And even if you ARE doing it frequently, most people aren’t going to mind 38 total minutes of charging on a trip that long.
Plenty of other trips are similar. I’ve done a 450-mile trip in a day and needed just ~30 mins of charging along the way. No big deal on a drive of that length.
There are certainly locations that aren’t the best for EVs or use cases (perhaps yours) that aren’t ideal, but they’re practical for many, many more use cases than just coastal met areas.
<blockquote>Folks driving from SF to LA during holliday have experienced over 1 hour waits to charge up.</blockquote>
I’ve driven 80,000 miles in EVs – BMW and Tesla – and I’ve never waited to charge. Has it happened? Sure. Is it common? No.
<blockquote>Can you imagine trying to run MTTS with electric MINIs? Good luck.</blockquote>
Yes. I mapped out the MTTS 2020 route to see if it was doable with the MINI Cooper SE. It is… despite the short range and relatively slow charging.
An e-tron / Taycan / Tesla could do it easily.
Thank goodness that this is the direction of the brand. ICE and manual are a past that can’t disappear fast enough.
That said, I miss the days of ultra-responsive horse-drawn carriages. Those were the days.
I hope they build it.
I want a Cooper SE to replace my i3, but I may wait a bit longer to see if this is actually coming and what specs it may have.
Presumably, this will get somewhat more batteries capacity and cooling than the SE for more power and less thermal throttling. Hopefully more battery capacity also translates to faster charge rate.
I would buy an electric MINI coupe in a heartbeat. Would consider donating a kidney for it if it’s a JCW.
Does it have to be FWD? If it’s going electric, why not make a RWD hot hatch. My i3S is a blast to drive on my 65 mile round trip commute, with fast chargers at both ends, I never worry about range.
Agreed but given the investment needed and that it’s an aging platform, it’s very unlikely.
Some much needed good news during this ‘Annus Horribilis’ 2020.
<a href="https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/bmw-q3-profit-rebounds-china-demand" rel="nofollow ugc">https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/bmw-q3-profit-rebounds-china-demand</a>
‘Automotive News Europe’ also reported a few days ago that on November 17, MINI will reveal a new model. Naturally, this created some speculation. Does it refer to the next generation MINI, or a variation on an existing model such as the JCW GPE or a PHEV F55 Cooper S E? It’s perhaps too early for the GPE, but an F55 S E looks ready to go.
Some folks are banking on the F55 getting a mild-hybrid, but Bernd Körber recently appeared to pour cold water on that when he said, “MINI is unlikely to use 48V mild-hybrid technology, because I can’t see it being profitable at the brand’s established price point”. After all, the tried and tested plug-in hybrid Cooper S E underpinnings already exist.
Motor1.com has also picked up this story saying, “Come November 17, MINI will debut a new mysterious model, although it’s unclear whether we’re dealing with a concept or a road going car. Either way, it should be electrified in one way or another”.
<a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/451982/bmw-inext-reveal-november-11/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.motor1.com/news/451982/bmw-inext-reveal-november-11/</a>
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Platforms that try to serve both electric and combustion drivetrains are doomed to fail.
JCW COuntryman.. however i’m biased since i’ve had my 2020 JCW Countryman for a year and put on a good 16K miles. def a blast to drive as a daily driver and very functional too. and that torque/hp boost was just the right amount, rolling acceleration is crazy. esp 40mph to 80+mph 😉
Significantly Profit, eh?
I have been following Rich from Rich Rebuilds on Youtube who is working on a “budget” R53 conversion. Sure, it won’t be super cheap but I would love to convert my low miles R52 to Electric someday! That and GM is also working on an EV Crate Motor that would work for our 1950 Studebaker!
What is the interest for road use compared to a JCW
A comparison to the current (non-GP) JCW would be great. Engine aside, is it really that different?
Side note, it’s a bit niche, but I’d love to see Mini come out with their interpretation of a 911 T. Stripped out like the GP, with maybe less-flashy bodywork, and a manual transmission.
Have fun with it while you can in this amazing weather, 78 in early November!
How does it compare to the Cooper SE? Driving dynamics, 0-30 acceleration, 30-60 acceleration, ride quality, fun.
Even more fascinating, how does it compare to the Cooper JCW GPE?
According to Paul Horrell, Freelance Consultant Editor for Top Gear Magazine, in addition to the £10,620 (inc UK tax) for the electric kit, the following parts are also required:
Battery pack £19,200 – inverter £4,632 – on board charger plus DC-DC converter £2,340 – speed sensor £359 – cooling system pump £173. Including the electric kit, but not including installation charges, that’s a grand total of £37,324.
The 2020 UK MINI Electric (Cooper SE) top of the range Level 3, including government grant, costs £30,400
How does it compare to the JCW Clubman for value and also performance – isn’t the JCW Clubman as fast if not slightly faster because of AWD?
Make some video for this review Gabe! And note your tire wear on the tires it comes with too?
Love the GP3. I’ve drove one for a week and loved every minute of it.
That said, I just picked up a 2008 MINI Convertible 5-spd with 38k miles on it and that has some character that is lost on the newer models.
Pick you potion, MINIs still got it.
Is the transmission as bad as some of the earlier reviews say it is?
Really Just how does it Feel. More MINI?
I read reviews that just gripe about ride, torque steer, but this is a street leagal Race Car.
Built ” for the few”.
You want to feel what the car is doing. Thats why we love the first gen so much. I can only imagine the wonderful feed back from an original classic Mini.
I don’t think most ” automotive reviewers ” really get MINI, especially performance MINIs.
If they don’t want to really drive a car/MINI they can just buy an autonomous vehicle.
You can’t review these cars for the masses.
A review i would really like to see is a comparison between the GP3 and one of JCW Racings MINIs. Say Indianapolis road couse or Road America. Mat Pombo run them back to back or race another team member? That would be a great press day don’t you think? go out and beat some more Porsches.
Who is this car REALLY for?
Awesome