The MINI Countryman crossover represents a whole new combination of the absorbing handling characteristics of a MINI with the versatile interior of a four-door car and the optimised traction of a Sports Activity Vehicle (in the shape of the optional all-wheel-drive system). At the same time, it provides a fresh and distinctive interpretation of established MINI features as far as design, premium quality, efficiency and customisation are concerned. The brand's fourth model - joining the classic two-door, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible in the range - meets the challenges of urban mobility with impressive flexibility, captures the imagination beyond traditional MINI territory with its broader range of abilities, and paves the way for an expanding band of prospective customers with varying mobility-based requirements to experience the trademark driving fun of a MINI.
With the long-distance comfort of four individual seats or space for up to five people on board, plus a raised seating position, versatile interior, new generation of powerful and efficient engines and optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the MINI Countryman adds another sprinkling of attractive features to the emotional driving experience of a MINI. Its body and interior concept invite you to share the MINI feeling with friends and in a variety of different situations. This propels the MINI Countryman onto the radar of broader target groups, whose family or leisure pursuits have created an increased need for space and flexibility and who are therefore keen to blend the distinctive style of the brand with innovative functionality and a higher level of interior versatility.
Classic principle, innovative concept, hallmark MINI style.
The MINI design language showcases the innovative vehicle concept of the MINI Countryman in fitting style. The first MINI to measure more than four metres (157") in length also follows the principle established for the classic Mini of creating maximum interior space and functionality on a compact footprint. In addition to the classic MINI proportions, characteristic design features at the front, side and rear of the car help to ensure that the MINI Countryman is immediately recognisable as a member of the brand family.
The choice of name for the fourth model in the brand's range also reflects the historic roots and British origins of the MINI. Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Countryman also builds on the heritage of a forefather based on the brilliant small car concept devised by Alec Issigonis. Indeed, a particularly versatile variant of the classic Mini bearing the Countryman name came onto the market as early as 1960. The Austin Seven Countryman and its technically identical Morris Mini Traveller sister model provided an extra dose of variability, their larger interior offering flexible usage potential. Available for purchase up to 1969, this variant of the Mini - not least the "woody" version with its wooden frame trim on the body flanks and rear doors - achieved a cult status unrivalled to this day.
The MINI Countryman will be built at the BMW Group's Austrian partner firm Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz. Production will take place on a separate assembly line set up and operated according to the exacting standards of the BMW Group. As with all the brand's models, the petrol engines for the MINI Countryman will be sourced from the Hams Hall engine plant, one corner of the MINI Production Triangle in England. The newly developed diesel power units, meanwhile, will be produced at the BMW Group's largest engine plant in the Austrian town of Steyr.
The MINI Countryman: The first premium model of its kind brings fresh variety to the MINI model family.
As the brand's fourth model and the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman is a pioneer in many respects. The new model is defined by classic MINI features, including its evocative design embodying the unmistakable style of the brand, the agile handling - a.k.a. "go-kart" feeling - which makes a MINI such fun to drive, and its premium quality, in keeping with the high standards of the BMW Group. The MINI Countryman paves the way for new target groups to experience these traits and talents.
The characteristics mentioned above also open up new perspectives for the MINI brand itself. Expanding its model family allows the premium small car manufacturer to bring an unmatched variety to this segment of the market.
In so doing, the MINI brand has demonstrated its ability once again - and more forcefully than ever - to grow with the demands of its fan base and yet remain true to its own identity. The MINI Countryman adds new and intriguing facets to the brand, and presents them in an innovative new body concept.
The design.
The concept of the MINI Countryman puts clear water between the new model and the brand's existing line-up. This new direction is expressed in its confident body design. Measuring 4,097 millimetres (161.3") in length (MINI Cooper S Countryman: 4,110 mm/161.8"), 1,789 (70.4") in width and 1,561 millimetres (61.5") in height, the four-door body combines the customary brand proportions with increased ground clearance and a raised seating position. The MINI Countryman therefore bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a state-of-the-art Sports Activity Vehicle.
Like the wider spectrum of possibilities opened up by the innovative body concept of the MINI Countryman, its design embodies the further development of the MINI brand's distinctive design language. The new model showcases fresh interpretations of fundamental MINI design elements.
These include the striking three-level split of body, greenhouse and roof, the front end look (sculpted by large headlights, the hexagonal radiator grille and upright windscreen), the vertically stacked rear lights and the "cascading" contours of the rear, which broaden as they head from roof to wheel. Characteristic MINI design details like the headlights and rear lights integrated like "islands" into the body, the side scuttle between the front wing and door, and the greenhouse tapering back towards the rear of the car also clearly betray the identity of the Countryman as a MINI family member. At the same time their game-altering design gives them a special appeal.
These ingredients combine to highlight both the distinctive character of the new model and its family roots to unmistakable effect. The design of the MINI Countryman exudes originality, performance, a dependable robustness and versatility. And yet the customary MINI charm and individual allure remain resoundingly intact.
Front end with characteristic look and mature presence.
The clear structure of its front end gives the MINI Countryman a mature and stylishly imposing appearance. The upright radiator grille, strikingly contoured bonnet and large headlight units are all characteristic features of the front end. Rising up high, it meets the stipulations of current pedestrian protection legislation and lends the crossover model a powerful stance. The powerdome tapering forward to the front of the bonnet betrays the performance of the engine lurking below.
The newly designed headlights have chrome surrounds and extend conspicuously far into the shoulders of the car, lending extra emphasis to its width. The shape of the headlights is a marked departure from the classic circular form of the other MINI models in the range. The upper edge slants to the outside, adding further presence to the wheel arches. On the inner edge, meanwhile, they appear to be shrinking away from the broad-spread radiator grille.
The modified form of the radiator grille complements the stand-alone styling of the MINI Countryman: the enclosed hexagonal unit stands more upright than the grilles on the brand's existing models. The three horizontal grille slats of the MINI Cooper Countryman, MINI One Countryman, MINI Cooper D Countryman and MINI One D Countryman reach a long way back, creating a free-floating impression. The slats on the MINI One Countryman and MINI One D Countryman grilles are in high-gloss black, while those on the other model versions are painted matt silver. The front end of the MINI Cooper S Countryman has its very own hexagonal grille design in black and can also be identified by an additional air intake integrated into the grille and ventilation inlets for the brakes.
Larger stature and raised ground clearance define the side view.
From the side the impeccable harmony of the metal body and greenhouse is particularly clear. The familiar MINI three-level split of body, greenhouse and roof is also striking on the Countryman. Despite its height and greater ground clearance, the keynote MINI proportions remain intact. The short front and rear overhangs highlight the brand's trusted philosophy of creating maximum interior space within a compact footprint.
The distinctive contours of the MINI Countryman's roof underline the four-door layout of the body and make the car easily recognisable. Functional roof rails are integrated into the roof as standard, lending extra visual effect to a silhouette reminiscent of a helmet. The greenhouse wraps itself like a glass ribbon around the car and exudes an inviting allure with its powerful transparency. The rising shoulder line of the body lends the greenhouse a "V" shape, which in turn gives the car the appearance of surging forward dynamically - even when at a standstill.
A precise character line, which arcs between the wheels along the lower third of the car's flank, lowers its visual centre of gravity and stretches out the side view. This stylistic bridge between the front and rear axle also serves as a reference to the optional all-wheel drive. The imposing wheel arches grow powerfully out of the body of the car and symbolise its solid roadholding.
The black border around the lower part of the body is more clearly defined on the MINI Countryman than on the brand's other models and underlines the raised ground clearance and clear emphasis on the wheels. The extra-long suspension travel of the wheels is also noticeable and hints at the car's broader range of possible uses. The fresh design of the side scuttle at the transition from front wing to door also helps to set the MINI Countryman apart within the brand family. This element - another new interpretation of the welding seams in a similar position on the classic Mini - houses both the side direction indicators and an air outlet on the MINI Countryman.
The side scuttle has a broad, extremely sturdy-looking design and leads the eye from the A-pillar down towards the front wheel. Like the path of the C-pillar heading towards the rear axle, this line also heightens the impression of the body's powerful over-the-wheels stance.
Rear view: Attractive contrasts created by horizontal lines and upright rear light clusters.
The proportions and horizontal structuring of the rear of the car underline the sporting capability of the MINI Countryman and create a strong sense of purpose. The body spreads out in stages from roof to wheels and accentuates the car's solid stance, while the muscular shoulder line reinforces its masculine character. The roof, with its integrated, aerodynamically efficient spoiler lip, appears to be "planted" on top of the greenhouse. Another horizontal line is provided by the narrow chrome strip which wraps around the car as a border between the greenhouse and body.
At the rear lights on the MINI Countryman are arranged in upright clusters, contrasting with the otherwise horizontal lines of the rear. These clusters have chrome surrounds and protrude from the body in three-dimensional form. Positioned on the outer edges of the rear end, they emphasise the width of the car and, in so doing, offer a clear indication of the generously sized interior. All the light functions are arranged within these "islands". The inner structure of the lights is defined - in customary MINI style - by full and "sawn-off" circles, which give the rear of the car its distinctive appearance during night driving.
The MINI logo at the rear of the car is also assigned a function. Pressing the inner circle of the brand emblem releases the upward-opening tailgate. The licence plate recess echoes the form of the air intake in the front bumper, forging a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.
The rear apron of the MINI Cooper S Countryman takes the form of a diffuser, which channels the airflow under the rear of the car to optimise its aerodynamic properties. The most powerful variant in the Countryman range can also be identified by its model-specific roof spoiler, the twin-tailpipe exhaust system and the eye-catching cut-outs in the outer edges of the rear bumper.
A selection of 11 body colours are available for the MINI Countryman - five non-metallic and six metallic paint finishes. The roof on the MINI One Countryman and MINI One D Countryman is painted in the body colour. Customers choosing a MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper Countryman or MINI Cooper D Countryman, meanwhile, can customise their car by specifying the paint shades Black or Light White for the roof as an alternative to the body colour.
Standard-fitted 16-inch wheels (17-inch on the MINI Cooper S Countryman) also contribute to the visual impact of the MINI Countryman. In addition, optionally available light-alloy wheels - some designed exclusively for the MINI Countryman - emphasise both the sporting and robust character of the new model. They are available in various designs and in sizes between 16 and 18 inches.
The optional Chrome Line Exterior, meanwhile, lends the outward appearance of the MINI Countryman a particularly exclusive edge. This package adds a model-specific sparkle to elements including the front bumper and side indicator surrounds. On the MINI Cooper S Countryman the front brake ventilation ducts also get a chrome surround and the rear bumper features a chrome strip. The radiator grille slats and rear licence plate surround of all other variants likewise benefit from a touch of chrome.
Interior: High-quality materials and a wide variety of design options.
The interior of the MINI Countryman shows some similarities with the established MINI design language, but adds a refreshing new identity of its own. All the interior surfaces have a new and eye-catching grain, which merges perfectly with the powerful styling. Thus the interior, too, reflects the innovative overall concept of the MINI Countryman and its distinctive character.
The dashboard of the MINI Countryman is striking with its pronounced, concave forms and a sporty yet functional feel. Particularly large side air vents underline an interior character defined by cutting-edge functionality. Like the central vents, Centre Speedo and gearshift lever, they are ringed in a broad surround sporting a contrasting colour. The side edging of the centre console adds another dash of colour and has the visual effect of supporting the dashboard. The centre console exudes an extremely high-quality feel with its matt black finish and chrome ring encircling the controls for the standard-fitted air conditioning.
Newly designed interior door trim highlights the distinctive body shape and extra space of the MINI Countryman. The trademark MINI elliptical door ring around the armrests and door pulls is centrally positioned for the first time in the new model. This design element also takes in the B-pillars and emphasises the length of the interior with its extended contours.
The MINI Countryman is fitted with model-specific seats. The MINI Cooper S Countryman, for example, has sports seats as standard. All model variants can be specified as an option with sports seats in a choice of two cloth/leather combinations or two full leather options. Another highlight of the seat range is the Lounge variant, whose exceptionally high-quality hide is reminiscent of the piped leather seats of a classic British car.
The optional Colour Line offers a selection of additional customisation options which add colour emphasis to the door centre panel inside the elliptical door ring, the lower section of the B-pillar trim and the Centre Rail insert. The selection of colours comprises Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, Dark Tobacco and - exclusively for the MINI Cooper S Countryman - the powerful Surf Blue. Meanwhile, customers can tailor the interior even more closely to their personal style with trim elements for the cockpit and Chrome Line Interior, which imbues the air vents, Centre Speedo, rev counter and gearshift lever surround with a subtle lustre.
The engines.
The latest generation of petrol and diesel engines have been recruited to power the MINI Countryman. Their sporting power development and optimised smoothness help to ensure that the Countryman displays both trademark MINI agility and excellent long-distance comfort. Plus, the remarkable ability of all the units to extract maximum benefit from the energy they consume enables the brand's fourth model to boast a stand-out level of efficiency over its direct competitors. Extensive MINIMALISM measures play a key role in further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The MINI Countryman will be available from launch with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, whose technology is rooted in the superlative level of development know-how available within the BMW Group. The output of the drive units ranges from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman up to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. All the engine variants available for the Countryman meet the EU5 emissions standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.
New generation of petrol and turbodiesel engines.
The five engines which can be ordered for the MINI Countryman boast both high output and exceptional efficiency. The petrol and turbodiesel variants all belong to a new generation of drive units designed for MINI models.
The technology they use is the product of the BMW Group's impressive expertise in engine development. Instantaneous power delivery, free-revving characteristics, a high level of refinement and extraordinary efficiency are the central features which set the new MINI engines apart from the crowd.
The particularly extensive selection of MINIMALISM measures on board play a key role in the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components are all included in model-specific combinations.
All the petrol engines available for the MINI Countryman enjoy the benefit of fully variable valve management. This throttle-free load control technology - based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines and unique in the new MINI model's segment - optimises the engine's responses and at the same time makes for a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Within fractions of a second, this valve management adjusts the stroke and opening period of the intake valves to the amount of output required, the camshaft acting on the valves through an additional intermediate arm, and not directly through the cam follower. The pivot point of this additional intermediate arm is infinitely adjustable by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.
The petrol engines in the new MINI Countryman do have a throttle butterfly, but it is not used - as in conventional engines - to control load. Instead, under normal circumstances it remains fully open at all times to minimise the flow losses in the intake manifold; it is fitted solely as an emergency backup and for diagnostic purposes. This is true of both the naturally aspirated and the turbocharged variants of the four-cylinder petrol engine, which differ from each other principally in their mixture preparation.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman: Bringing together variable valve management with turbocharging and direct injection for the first time.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman is the brand's first model in which fully variable valve management has been combined with turbocharging and petrol direct injection. This impressive blend of technology helps the 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit with twin-scroll turbocharger to achieve a balance between output and fuel consumption that is unsurpassed in this displacement class. The fuel economy of this new engine in the EU test cycle is around 9 per cent better than its predecessor's.
In a twin-scroll turbocharger the ducts of two cylinders are combined with one another in the exhaust manifold. This design enables the turbine to reach its maximum speed of 210,000 rpm at low engine revs. The full charge effect (approx. 0.8 bar overpressure) is on tap from as low down the engine speed range as 1,600 rpm. Instead of the familiar "turbo lag" delay in response characteristic of engines with conventional turbocharging, with this technology the driver can enjoy instantaneous power delivery. The compressed air is brought down to a low temperature in an intercooler before entering the combustion chamber. Increasing the specific oxygen content in this way optimises power output.
Petrol is fed into the turbocharged engine by a direct injection system. A mechanically driven two-piston high-pressure pump delivers fuel to the injection valves via a stainless-steel distributor rail. The high-pressure valves then spray the fuel directly into the combustion chambers from the side at a maximum 120 bar of pressure, producing a homogeneous fuel/air mixture. The engine in the MINI Cooper S Countryman is not reliant on sulphur-free fuel and so can be used around the world.
The 4-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper S Countryman develops its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm. Peak torque of 240 Nm/177 lb-ft is available between 1,600 and 5,500 rpm and can be raised to 260 Nm/192 lb-ft for a short time using the turbocharger's Overboost function (approx. 1.0 bar overpressure). This serves up additional pulling power in the 1,700 to 4,500 rpm range when particularly dynamic acceleration is required. The MINI Cooper S Countryman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.6 seconds (automatic: 7.9 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 215 km/h / 133 mph (automatic: 210 km/h / 130 mph). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle comes to 6.1 litres (7.1 litres) per 100 kilometres or 46.3 (39.8) mpg imp and CO2 emissions are 143 grams (166 grams) per km.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds (automatic: 8.3 seconds) and has a top speed of 210 km/h / 130 mph (205 km/h / 127 mph). The average fuel consumption of the all-wheel-drive MINI Cooper S Countryman stands at 6.7 litres (automatic: 7.7 litres) per 100 km or 42.2 (36.7) mpg imp, its CO2 emissions at 157 grams (180 grams) per km.
