In what appears to be a major strategic realignment, sources tell MotoringFile that MINI is not only extending the life of its current combustion Countryman models, but also delaying its next-generation Countryman EV plans by several years. Production of both models will now continue well into the next decade marking a shift in MINI’s product plans for the current and next generation Countryman models. Here’s what we know.
Sources tell us that the gas-powered U25 Countryman is confirmed to stay in production until 2032. That will give the U25 a 8 year production cycle, a year longer than is typical for BMW. Why the change? Knowing that much of the world will continue to have demand for petrol powered cars, It’s highly unlikely we’ll see the petrol Countryman go away in 2032. However we do think that MINI is buying more time for the EU and UK regulators to approve new efficiency regulations which will impact how MINI engineers its next generation combustion vehicles. It could also help it tie into BMW product plans which will likely be coupled with any future Countryman.
But that’s not the biggest shock in this news. MINI’s current Countryman EV was expected to have a relatively short lifespan as BMW was keen to move the model to the highly advanced Neue Klasse platform as soon as 2028. However we’ve learned that that has been pushed back a full four years to 2032, reshaping MINI’s electrification roadmap in a big way. Whether this is driven by manufacturing logistics, battery strategy, or broader BMW Group prioritization remains unclear, but it effectively means MINI’s EV future will take longer to arrive than anyone expected.
It’s blow for those looking forward to seeing MINI on a more modern platform with faster charging capabilities, longer range and more advanced technical architecture. Than again the current Countryman EV is a standout in its packaging the way it drives. Perhaps MINI believes it can be updated thoroughly enough on its current platform to keep it competitive?
Along with the production extensions for MINI’s current U25 Countryman we also expect not just one but potentially two life-cycle updates (LCIs) before retirement. We also expect numerous technical updates to go along with this larger series of changes.
First up will be new hardware for the Countryman EV beginning with March 2026 production. As we’ve detailed previously, this will add range and likely increase charging speed.
Then we’ll see mechanical changes to the combustion models as MINI prepares for the EU7 transition for all ICE models in 2027. Finally we expect a inside and out refresh (LCI) for all Countryman models in July 2028.
Car companies make production plans in 4-8 year cycles. So seeing MINI pivot like this is a testament to how the BMW Group has become a very different company than it was 5-10 years ago. By stretching ICE production and delaying Neue Klasse, MINI is effectively slowing it’s aggressive move to EVs. The decision underscores BMW’s broader position that combustion isn’t disappearing — it’s coexisting.
While some may see this as a step back from MINI’s all-EV goal, it’s also a sign of pragmatism. EV adoption remains inconsistent, battery costs are still high, and small electric cars remain challenging to build profitably. Extending proven models like the Countryman and Cooper gives MINI more flexibility — and more time — to ensure the next leap forward is the right one.
