The Mini (MINI), part of the BMW Group, test drove the Countryman, one of the three electric vehicles released in Korea in March this year under the name "The New All-Electric." This is the first electric vehicle of the Countryman, which is Mini's largest model and serves as the flagship. The size has increased, but the agile driving performance unique to Mini remains unchanged.
The Mini Countryman electric vehicle is aimed at family car buyers and has grown in size since the launch of the third-generation model last year. The vehicle's length has increased by 150 mm, its width by 25 mm, and its height by 105 mm. This makes it slightly smaller than Hyundai's midsize Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Tucson.
Upon first encountering the Countryman, it feels unfamiliar compared to the typical Mini design. Not only is the body size different, but the design also strays from the cute and compact image characteristic of Mini. Overall, it has a vertically falling impression. The rear, featuring vertical taillights and a large logo, appears simple. This may be disappointing for fans of classic Mini's charming appeal.
The wheelbase, which affects the cabin space, is 2,690 mm, an increase of 20 mm. Upon entering, there is ample space not only in the front seats but also in the rear seats. The seating arrangement accommodates three people, and there are various storage spaces throughout.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the round organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, which has become a symbol of Mini, and the uniquely textured dashboard, which includes the instrument panel for the driver and front passenger, stand out. All functions such as navigation, driving mode, climate control, and infotainment can be manipulated from the round OLED display.
The surface of the dashboard is covered with a fabric material that is rarely seen in modern vehicles. According to Mini, this material is made from 100% recycled polyester. While it creates a warm and subtle atmosphere, it gives a somewhat rough impression. It remains questionable whether it is resistant to stains, scratches, or fire and whether it is easy to maintain.
The size has increased, but the fun of driving remains thanks to the agile response. Given the quiet nature of electric vehicles, it was expected that capturing the 'go-kart' feel pursued by Mini would be difficult; however, the substantial steering wheel and vivid driving texture that feels like it grazes the road are still present. The term "go-kart" originates from the similarity to racing karts.
The Mini Countryman electric vehicle is available with two powertrains and three trims. The all-wheel-drive model SE ALL4 equipped with two electric motors boasts a maximum output of 313 horsepower and a maximum torque of 50.4 kg·m. It takes 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. The driving range on a full charge, according to domestic standards, is 326 km.
The price starts at 56.7 million won. By trim, the E Classic is 56.7 million won, the SE ALL4 Favorite is 63.1 million won, and the SE ALL4 JCW is 66.1 million won. This is the most expensive among the three electric vehicles released by Mini. The Mini Cooper electric vehicle ranges from 52.5 million to 56.1 million won, while the electric-only model Ace-Man ranges from 49.7 million to 58 million won.