MINI COUNTRYMAN ELECTRIC 2024 REVIEW: NEW E AND SE SMALL SUVS PUT VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE EV ON NOTICE

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Mini Countryman enters its third generation with a significant transformation, now offering fully electric 'E' and 'SE' variants that aim to challenge established players like the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The reviewer highlights the Countryman's substantial increase in size, making it a more practical and family-oriented vehicle, comparable to the XC40. Inside, the minimalist design is enhanced by a striking 9.5-inch circular OLED screen and the use of reclaimed materials, though some hard plastics are present. The SE model, with its dual-motor setup, delivers impressive performance and a fun, "go-kart" driving feel, characteristic of Mini, with notable improvements in ride quality and handling compared to its predecessor and even the mechanically related BMW iX2. While the WLTP range is competitive, it falls slightly short of some rivals. The reviewer praises the car's dynamics, sharp steering, and strong brakes, concluding that the electric Countryman, particularly the SE, successfully retains its Mini DNA while becoming more family-friendly and gaining an important new variant.