Exclusive: MINI to Bring Shift Paddles Back to the Countryman S
MINI has always been known for its driver-focused experience, but recent decisions like phasing out manual transmissions and removing paddle shifters on most models have left enthusiasts scratching their heads. Now our sources suggest that MINI may be bringing back a key feature (and some driver engagement) to one of its most popular models.
According to sources, MINI is in the planning stages of the Countryman’s mid-life cycle refresh (or LCI in BMW-speak), and part of that update will include bringing shift paddles back to more models and trims. Specifically, this means the Countryman S will once again feature shift paddles, likely across all trim levels—not just the JCW Trim, which is unavailable in North America.
For a preview of how they might look and function, we can simply look at the current JCW Countryman. Assuming MINI doesn’t revise the design (which it should, but that’s another topic), expect two plastic paddles—downshifts on the left, upshifts on the right. However, it’s unlikely the Boost feature will make its way to the Countryman S, as MINI will likely keep that exclusive to JCW models.
Our sources indicate that both the electric and combustion-powered Countryman LCI updates will debut simultaneously in Spring 2026. For more on the upcoming refresh, check out our latest report.
Or sources indicate that both the electric and combustion Countryman updates will debut simultaneously in Spring 2026. For more on the Countryman LCI, check out our recent report.
I’ve driven the 2025 Countryman. There is no paddle available to make this car enjoyable to drive. The best thing MINI can do is make the Aceman an ICE.
First, I believe all MINIs should have the paddles available. In my opinion, which with a dollar will get you a small coffee, the SUV customer is not the one basing their purchase on the availability of paddles, and this will have a negligible effect on sales of the Countryman. Putting paddles back in the F66 should have been the top priority, people looking for not a soulless hatchback would definitely look at other options in the market based on the fact that paddles are not an option. MINIUSA removed the JCW appearance package to not cheapen the JCW branding, and through an oversight eliminated the paddles from all non JCWs. When there own dealers cheapened the JCW branding throughout the R56 and F56 era by filling their lots with “show no go” spec’d MINIs. Otherwise know a Cooper S with the JCW interior and aero packages. It wasn’t an issue for the past 18 years, but when MINI is ok with just painting the calipers red I am not sure you understand what cheapens a performance package.
Even as a proud former employee of the MINI & BMW USA family and a cheerfully dedicated MINI driver (just purchased another – a U25) I have certainly had a few head-scratching moments related to this new generation of MINIs.
The “cost-costing” can result in fairly harsh encounters & experiences for MINI loyalist/enthusiasts. In fact, I’m still salty over the “new” ford/chevy-style-turn-singal stock that stays up/down until the turn is complete. It feels so cheap tinny and plastic-y in a way that the previous euro-style turn-signal toggle never ever could.
There are definite misses on U25 … like how about we tuck that rear windshield wiper under that large rear-wing Countryman spoiler MINI? I mean let’s learn from Land Rover and even Lincoln please!
To be honest, I choose BMW/MINI precisely because I am turned-off by cheap! Yet when it comes to the paddle shifters and the Countryman, I agree with the original decision to exclude them from the Countryman lineup (except JCWs). This creates less cannibalization and makes sense as it allows the smaller MINIs to be as MINI as possible.
The Countryman, let’s face it, is something else entirely. It’s its own sub-brand like the Porsche SUV family. People complain that it’s too big too boxy too blah blah and not MINI. But Porsche was similarly chastised and now those SUVs have not only saved them but propelled them. SUVs are in – full stop. MINI began responding to that shift 3 generations ago and now we find ourselves at the pinnacle of Countryman as this model is likely the best all-around premium compact utility vehicle on the market … looking at you Mercedes GLB.
I think MINI has done a fantastic job (though some small corrections are still needed). The smaller MINIs should have never had the paddle shifter delete – full stop. The Countryman in all trims but the JCW is truly something else. It’s grown it’s sophisticated it’s handsome it makes a statement in a great way and I am sorry to disagree but it still very much looks like a MINI … just one that happens to be a Countryman.
Happy Rides!