Mini Countryman SE first drive: A wild interior that's not to be missed

Mini has promised to go all electric by 2030, a date that seemed pretty far off back in 2021 but right now is starting to sound not that far off at all. While the company's prior battery-powered efforts have been great, it's going to take something more serious and more practical to convert the masses to the wonders of electrification.
That something might just be the 2025 Mini Countryman. While Mini will offer this car with a gasoline-burning engine if you're feeling traditional, the star of the lineup will be the new, $45,200, all-electric Countryman SE. With 313 horsepower and 363 pound-feet of torque, it's quick, and with way more cargo space, it's practical too.
But how does it drive? That's what we headed to Portugal to find out, and while the extra volume and weight of the new Countryman does come with some compromises, it's an engaging SUV to drive with a fantastic interior that's just a few software updates away from perfection.
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[@pyrosnineActual]

It's actually a cute car and has a lot of neat unique features. I was actually wondering why more cars don't have the reflective holo display nowadays. Mileage is on point, though the price is a bit oof. I've always been a sucker for a Mini Cooper style, and the car is definitely very different but also very Mini Cooper. I do hope they fix the UI though, I'm pretty sure one of the leading causes of accidents is people fumbling away at a control screen, and say, if you overtapped and overshot your menu and had to tap back, that's wasted eye time not looking at the road. Probably is a software thing, perhaps they're rendering the menu in too high a resolution. Not sure I like how small some of the text is either- the at a glance stuff that I wanna see is kinda small, and so I hope it can be rearranged or with different views of sorts.

[@st33ldi9ital]

I love HUD displays... GM has had them for decades.. had a 2000 corvette with it and even the new GMC truck have it.

[@TheMasterofStupid]

The delay on the screen software is awful. It's 2024.. why can't we have UI that doesn't stutter or lag

[@pueohoot543]

For now my 2011 regular mini works great! As soon as I can become a home owner I will gladly invest in the all new electric one! Really pressed to get the countryman but I just love the 56 and 66 so much

[@hotconductor4749]

Solid review. I can't see any reason to buy this over a Tesla model Y. That circular dash will age poorly over time.

[@santiago3685]

As a new mini owner ('24), I am super happy that I bought my mini before they did this redesign!!! In my opinion, the outside has gone from a cool unique look to a plain bland design, and the dash is super ugly compared to mini dashboard's of the past. The cool airplane like switches, etc...have been changed out for these cheap looking knobs and dials. Who wants to pay nearly 50k for a bland looking car that seems like a modern Ford Escort. This is so off-brand to me for Mini. Not impressed at all.

[@LP66177]

OLED display? No thank you! OLED , displays are amazing for home TV and media consumption but for a car I see a lot of screen burn in complaints coming.

[@videosuperhero100]

$45,200, all-electric Countryman SE is the same price as a Tesla Model Y LONG RANGE. Model Y get's a point of sale tax credit, not sure about mini. I like that Mini is starting their conversion, but realistically, it needs be much cheaper not more expensive if its going to be providing less foundational value. No mention of that by the reviewer makes this a paid review.

[@expansivegymnast1020]

Same. I would love this but it doesn't make sense at that price. There's just too many other good options for that much money.

[@mrtiff99]

Great review. I cant help but think the outside of the car is just too damn ugly

[@gohorin]

Dear Engadget, you're a big well known tech reviewer, please also refer to the metric system when mentioning numbers. Especially if you're coming to our beautiful Portugal. Sincerely, everyone who is not American.

[@domlarry]

Mario cart mode 😂

[@mluu510]

There's nothing mini about this

[@scottdarlow2897]

Nice to see the presenter, last time he was reviewing Google Glass.

[@richardmeyeroff7397]

I won't buy an all electric auto till charging stations are much more numerous. I wish that the government had pushed for a car with the following, Electric motor with BOTH the ability to charge from a charging station and having a small motor of some kind that could be used to charge the battery. I know that this many environmentalist believe that this will slow down the adoption of electric vehicles but I would disagree because until we strengthen the electric grid and make it profitable for private companies, large and small, to run charging stations it makes considering an electric powered car a real problem. This is especially true if you live in an apartment building or a housing development that doesn't have a private garage to install a private charging station.

[@psimpson2]

It's still so disappointing to see how MINI implements their HUD. Cheapo pop-up plastic rather than reflecting it off the screen like EVERYONE ELSE.

[@ShamirQushairi]

'Mini'

[@SatanicJamnic]

Mini tank. Yessss, very small and light.

[@Minienthusiast]

Looks like💵

[@keithkamps77]

Sorry I don't do electric cars and never will. Ill give you thumbs up for the content.

[@jackred2362]

Get an old retro MINI and just convert it to electric.

[@YankeeMav]

certainly not worth your time if you live in phoenix and would be near-🤡 to get brand new car w/o ventilated seats.

[@Shl0kk]

I'm so sick of it being called a mini when it dwarfs all entry level SUVs. Perhaps the platform could be called maxi pad?

[@mnharjotsingh]

whatever that is on internal door panel 🤮

[@thumbtak123]

Looks interesting. The name makes me not want to buy it.

[@Claudethechiefsfan]

No electric vehicles are worth the time until solid state battery tech is released. A wasted investment otherwise.

[@carloswelch1832]

Couldn’t agree more. $45k for 245 miles (probably less with real world testing) does NOT justify the price. In fact, that is less range than your typical fossil fuel vehicle. Here is my take: 1) bring the cost down of the batteries themselves 2) able to mass produce while keeping cost down 3) develop technology than not only is safer than Lithium Phosphate, but can extend its range (and lifespan); like solid-state battery technology (from Toyota). If these conditions are not MET today (like for this car): I can’t tell you ‘EV car’ is a wise choice to make at the moment. We are not ready! Let the technology develop on its own (with the time it needs) BEFORE head jumping into ‘EV Revolution.’ Things take time!

[@Claudethechiefsfan]

@@carloswelch1832 exactly. Double the range of a tank of gas and reduce charging time to under 15 minutes (to, say, 80%) and I’ll have my money in hand. Until then? ICE forever babyyyy

[@HughMontague]

That car is ugly AF.

[@mrtiff99]

agreed