Gallery
Pros
Cons
As the former owner of a Mini Cooper Clubman, I’ve long appreciated the peculiarities that come with the brand’s vehicles.
While they have their faults and flaws, they’re also unquestionably stylish and fun. Whether it’s the classic three-door, the wagon-like one I used to drive (that’s since been discontinued), or the Countryman crossover, they all share the same kind of cutesy charm that’s been part of this revived brand from the very start.
The 2025 Mini Countryman SE has the same sort of appeal as the rest of the past and present lineup, albeit in an all-electric package. However, the way it’s powered leads to problems of its own.
Styling 8 / 10
Looks are key to the Mini identity. The Countryman was revamped for 2025, with a more square aesthetic compared to the older, rounder design. It’s a welcome change, and the design language better suits these larger proportions.
The finish on the dash and doors is woven and made of a material that resembles a rough canvas. It’s a pleasant alternative to the more typical plastic, and it will likely do a better job hiding dust. However, it’s only offered in blue — and contrasted with the same copper-like accents found outside the one tested here — which might not be to everyone’s tastes, but then it’s unquestionably funky.
Mini has also kept its distinct dial atop the dash, although it’s now a multipurpose touchscreen that’s more visually engaging than a traditional unit. Other small details like the upright air vents help make the cabin feel unique.
Power 7 / 10
The Countryman SE produces 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor configuration. It’s sufficient for an electric vehicle (EV) this size, helping this Mini feel quick if not extraordinarily so. It still benefits from the instant torque delivery associated with electric motoring, and it can be urgent when it’s needed. The power delivery is much like it is in most other EVs: predictable, but not very exciting.
Fuel Economy 6 / 10
The Countryman SE has a range of 341 km on a full charge of its 64.7-kWh battery. I managed to achieve around 325 km of range during this test. It can reach peak charging speeds of 130 kW at a DC fast-charger, making the 10-to-80 per cent jump in about 30 minutes in ideal conditions.
Driving Feel 7 / 10
The Countryman SE feels good on the road, combining comfort with a touch of sportiness. The ride is definitely tuned towards the former, although it's not soft to the point where its considerable weight — 2,081 kg (4,588 lb) — can be felt when cornering or accelerating. Its steering feedback varies depending on speed: it’s lighter and more responsive at lower speeds, and heavier at higher speeds to deliver solid feedback to the driver.
Practicality 7.5 / 10
The Countryman SE has a cargo volume of 460 L with the rear seats up and 1,450 L with them down. It’s sufficient space, especially for a crossover this size. There’s also plenty of interior space, with more than enough rear head- and legroom even for tall passengers. And in spite of that spaciousness it’s still a small vehicle, which makes it especially easy to manoeuvre in the city.
Comfort 8 / 10
The ride quality is good, and the Countryman is able to absorb bumps with ease. The suspension is also tuned well to hide the weight of this crossover. It never wallows to the point where it can be significantly felt. The cabin is also well insulated, with most outside interference staying there — even with the simulated electric sound off.
User-Friendliness 7 / 10
Connecting to Apple CarPlay is a very straightforward process. However, a big issue is the circular screen. Since that smartphone-mirroring interface is meant to fit a rectangular screen, it can’t fully occupy the 9.4-inch display. This becomes especially noticeable when multiple apps are in use, reducing the size even further. The climate controls are also found in the central screen, making accessing some basic functions a bit more inconvenient.
Features 8 / 10
The “experiences” button allows drivers to change the background of the centre screen and set a different ambient mood for the car. My personal favourite is classic, which features a massive display of a vintage-inspired analog speedometer. Putting the Countryman SE in go-kart-mode, the equivalent of a sport mode, plays the cheer of an excited crowd through the speakers as it’s activated.
Safety 9 / 10
Mini’s adaptive cruise control works well. It also has active lane monitoring, which will pull the Countryman back into its lane if it senses that it’s drifting. The Countryman SE has an excellent camera system, which can be used at speeds slower than 35 km/h, and shows the driver every possible angle of the car’s surroundings. There’s even a feature where the ambient lighting will glow red when you’re opening the door and it detects another vehicle approaching.
Value 6.5 / 10
As tested, the Countryman SE comes in at $72,945 before tax but including a non-negotiable freight charge of $2,555. The recently refreshed Kia EV6, closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5, and bigger Chevrolet Blazer EV can all cost about the same, although they also offer more range.
The Verdict
Aside from its range woes, the 2025 Mini Countryman SE has a great interior and driving feel to match. It also feels a little silly, both in terms of its style and its features, which have always been part of the Mini’s brand appeal. Ultimately, it’s the asking price that might be tough to come to terms with, as well as the limited range — especially considering how capable some of the Countryman SE’s rivals are.
