Among the many thing that will be new on the 2024 MINI Countryman will be a reconfigured rear hatch and bumper. Specifically the hatch looks be shorter and the bumper higher. What behind these changes? We have an idea

The new FAAR platform that the 2024 Countryman will be based on is intended to underpin both ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric cars. While that allows BMW to flex product offerings and production based on demand, it also means there are some constraints in terms of design and layout.

We believe the the need for a large battery pack in the EV version of the Countryman (and its sister BMW products) has dictated a higher rear floor. That in turn has likely required the hatch shortened and the rear bumper to become taller.

While this might shorten the load area, it will likely create a much larger underfloor storage area on the petrol powered Countryman.

The bigger benefit will be seen on the EV. This change in layout means BMW is likely planning a much higher capacity battery than we’ve seen in the current F56 electric hatch placed under the rear seats and extending to the rear of the car. Or another scenario could see that space used for dual motor JCW and BMW M models.

2024 MINI Countryman Launch Details

With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the 2024 MINI Countryman make its debut in the second half of 2023 as a 2024 model in the US. We’ll likely see petrol powered Cooper and Cooper S models first before MINI launches its first ever all electric Countryman. And don’t worry; an even higher horsepower JCW Countryman is coming.