The 2025 Mini Countryman Is The Biggest, & The Best Mini Ever... It's Not "mini" Anymore...

[@LEGOminiac]

Great review and happy to hear the positive comments. I’ve got 9200 miles on my 2025 Countryman and no other previous MINI I’ve had has been as fun or technologically advanced. One quick correction. The open area on the upper dash behind the OLED screen and projector is the speaker grille that houses 2 of the 12 speakers for the harman/kardon premium audio. If you look down into those holes, you’ll see the mid range speaker and tweeter in there. 🙂

[@lolotus4borderless]

I have one for the wife and totally envy her, will get mine next month. 😊

[@karacha]

Obviously, this is not exactly "Mini" anymore. But it looks really nice. Good job, BMW!

[@port443p]

If you compare it to the UK's Mini in particular. Inflation gets to everything. Time for a new brand IMHO.

[@gartblaum]

I would never say it 'nice', unless BMW brings back the rounded head lights for the Countryman

[@LEGOminiac]

@@gartblaumexcept Countryman headlights have never been round, lol.

[@bhbae1]

What is nice about it?

[@kingsamvisuals]

Compact crossovers are hot. Mini could capture that market.

[@zigforjustice]

8:11 - I really like the Latch Anchor graphic showing width and handy notes

[@afcgeo882]

Man… I really wish there was a hybrid in this car. I’d love a 2.0 hybrid with 200ish HP.

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

It looks fantastic, I’m staring at one right now as my neighbor has had a beautiful blue one for the last six months or so. Excellent video as always Alex, thank you. Kind of looks like a Jaguar E-Pace from the front👌💯

[@AmericanRoads]

I am surprised that Doug DeMuro has not reviewed this car yet. It is quite quirky.

[@naveenthemachine]

Love the configurable taillights IIRC doesn’t Mercedes or even Kia do something similar?

[@Johnny_Socko]

It's too bad they couldn't furnish you with a non-JCW version, I am really curious to see the interior & price difference. I don't even know what the base engine is (I don't think it was mentioned in this video). Also, going through a complete redesign and STILL not offering rear amber signals in the US vs Europe is an absolute fail on Mini's part. Having said that, I like this body style, and would check it out if I had the money. Alex, you are absolutely right about Fiat. As a former 500L owner, this is exactly the type of vehicle I would like to see more of in the US. Fiat could have continued as a fun, less-expensive competitor to MINI, but they made some missteps early on and sadly FCA/Stellantis management has zero commitment to their brands (any of them), and just gave up. Stunning mismanagement post-Sergio. (He wasn't batting 1000 either, but compared to what followed he was a miracle worker.)

[@afcgeo882]

He did mention the 2.0t.

[@Johnny_Socko]

@@afcgeo882 Ah, got it. I misunderstood that part. So the JCW is getting slightly higher HP out of the same engine. It seems like that is an upgrade for all other trims, and a downgrade for JCW.

[@afcgeo882]

@@Johnny_Socko Very much a recognition of the fact that they sell almost no JCWs.

[@LEGOminiac]

The standard engine is 241hp/295tq. I have 9200 miles on my 2025 Countryman S. I ticked EVERY option on mine including low speed autonomous traffic jam assistant and trailer hitch/wiring and it was $45K. A great value considering that a similar spec Volvo XC40 was $53K

[@8aravindk]

Love the new latch anchor graphics. Please make it standard going forward.

[@ursaminor3740]

That’s not ‘mini’ anymore then.. but an SUV now haha

[@ericschmidt1987]

wow im impressed by the central display. I wonder what the EV version will be life.

[@mva6044]

Ditto waiting for the Countryman EV review; also if I were to cross shop that Countryman EV, I would against Volvo XC40 recharge, Ford MachE (especially the Rally version).

[@DaveDDD]

The center display definitely has a lot of charm, and I can appreciate that even if it’s probably not something I’d personally get. I really like that the designers are taking chances though.

[@petegalindez9961]

I love my 2023 Countryman…really looking hard at getting one of these too…Loved the ride (I drove the non JCW) and room. Wish they kept more of the switches and not a big fan of the execution of the center screen. Liked it better when it looks integrated into the dash like previous models…this looks more like the current RAV4 and many cars over the last 10 years that just look like the screen is an afterthought. Unfortunately, I need a big more room, so will likely be moving up a bit more to the CRV or Sportage hybrid versions….

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

BMW expensive maintenance and repairs. The Things are huge, they just seem like sort of a status car now.

[@TheCXTKRS1]

I don't see why Mini fans would be mad about the size. The CountryMan has always been the most portly Mini. I wish they would have done a better job with the JCW though. Instead of piping in sounds from a speaker something like an active exhaust would have been awesome. The worse 0-60 and 60-0 is also a little bit of a let down and I really wish we could have actual gauges (even if it is a screen) for the JCW. The overall experience feels like it is funky and quirky just for the sake of being so which some people might see as corny. The actual "experience" feature is cool but how quick is that gonna get old? It feels like the designers just pulled a bunch of stuff they knew we would never see in a BMW and stuffed it into what they like to think of as a fun BMW. Mini kinda feels like the Scion of BMW now. I don't hate it just not my jam.

[@plneky1171]

Exterior is okay, they had to do something different. I'm not a fan of the minimalist interior and circular tablet display. But 4,000 lbs! Definitely not a Mini in weight.

[@Rioichi4]

I love Mini's style. Unique without being too "weird'. Those Union Jack tail lights always grab my eye on the road

[@LEGOminiac]

You asked about cross shopping. Can’t say I really did much. Not my first MINI and there’s nothing like them. Have also been a big VW fan but the similarly sized Taos feels like a cheap econobox in comparison. I drove the more expensive XC40 extensively and while it looks cool, the ride, handling and rear seats are no match to the new Countryman - it’s also considerably more expensive. I also found the drivetrain a bit off-putting in the Volvo with tons of turbo lag and you cannot deactivate the stop/start system. I liked the CX-50, but didn’t care for the squashed styling look and resulting claustrophobic interior. I saved $5K over an X1 and definitely got the cooler car with better tech and styling.

[@brunohebert1351]

I have last year model Countryman S (just got i literally 1 year ago), I really like the car and it fits my needs, peppy, smaller car as the wife got a bigger car and we can't extend the garage. Though the adaptive cruise control is hit and miss, since it was brand new I send it back for service multiple times to no avail.. but at least now I know how to switch on the regular cruise control and that solve most of my problems with the adaptive one. Last month, I brought the car for oil change and they offered me to take the new one for a spin while I was waiting. Boy, this is Maxi for sure. I agree with you the screen is beautiful, it's roomy, comfy, but one thing that bother me with the interior is the plastic switches... gone are the "aviation inspired" toggles and it make the car feel like any other generic car not a mini. It drives well, it's very peppy (not a JCW model) and overall it's a decent car but I think the Mini fans will not like it. Due to the issues with my car, they're willing to offer me a deal on the new one but my issue being space in my garage, the new one is too big. So, I think I'll stink to my "old" one for now as other than that stupid ACC it's working great. Forgot to mention, the 2025 has different sensors and more of them, so the ACC should be much better. (I was not able to drive it in the conditions, mostly sunset or haze, that affect my Mini ACC) To me it's a great car/SUV, but it has lost a bit of the Mini identity. And it's selling relatively well since my dealership (in Reno, NV) can't seem to keep them in stock... I was just lucky that day they had a few to spare.

[@godofdun]

Still small as vehicles go, so not sure why people get upset about the size. There's a smaller one if that's what you want. Either way I do like it, would have to get my hands on it. Especially that EV version you mentioned.

[@theBatmanGoeth2]

Looks kinda cool, but the DCT kills it for me

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

Great review… thanks. Like you, I absolutely love the new MIU (or round touchscreen - I have the F66 Cooper) - and the BMW OS9 operating system (IMHO) works better in MINIs than it does on BMW's twin screen layout. I have driven the new Countryman… and I was impressed.

[@Kevin-qz4eq]

They could have had a nice comfortable two spoke steering wheel but instead put that stupid strap there.

[@SSS-mp8th]

People need to get over the size. Mini cant exist as a brand on tiny hatchbacks. If a manual was offered in the JCW I might consider it. Otherwise better off with an X1 or similar.

[@LEGOminiac]

MINI has always represented MINImal, not necessarily always MINIature, so as the company grows (which is a requirement to survive here in the U.S. - look at Fiat), it makes perfect sense and still very true to its roots. The BMW isn’t as entertaining to drive and costs $5K more. Unless you have to impress someone with that rounded, there’s no reason to choose the X1 IMHO.

[@witsendcottage595]

Need to bring back the Clubman

[@katiecannon8186]

Car reviewers: We should never have a smaller vehicle option 🙄 Bigger is better. Nothing’s big enough

[@darrinv6798]

I think I’d cross shop the Alfa/Dodge Hornet R/T against the JCW.

[@LetMeCook86]

They doubled down on the backwards rear turn signal arrows!? 😂😂😂

[@volcalstone]

Motorola called and want their watch design back. Flat tire and all.

[@garyjohnson8120]

I was seriously thinking about this or the X1...but I am not sure how 'fun' it is to drive with the torque steer and the off the line lag...2 things that would annoy the crap out of me. I live in a city and do a lot of mixed driving...stop and go and having to merge onto 75 MPH interstates that have long curving interchanges. This does not seem like it's well adapted for either of these 2 driving experiences.

[@lolotus4borderless]

My wife got one JCW trim. The relaxed modes are great for traffic which is half my driving time. Acceleration on core or more aggressive mode is very good, handling is totally fantastic, the vehicle feels small and nimble. Modes make enormous differences as well as menus engaging the Limited slip differential. A quick test driving is absolutely not making this vehicle any credit, I wouldn’t have gotten it on test driving alone. But the wife insisted😊. I got used to it after 200 miles and loved it at 200 more miles. This car has a learning curb. They actually tuned it to perfection with many different driving conditions in mind. You will never have your X1 make you turn around and smile. Make yourself a favor and take that over a regular BMW as I did and you will never look back.

[@victornava6981]

Great Mini review! Could you please review the X1 M35i Alex? 🙂

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, I suggest Mini might 'find their way' by building a 3 row CUV, a not so mini Minivan, a body on frame SUV and finally, a Super Duty pickup. With sales slowing for some automakers, I suspect Mini would find a maximum number of willing joint venture partners. Surely the world has already waited too long for the MiniRam 3500 with Cummins Diesel power or the Minineer SUV with a Hurricane Turbo 6.😉 One thing I can be serious about is that 40/20/40 rear seat. The workers in Leipzig deserve an extra large pretzel 🥨in their lunchboxes for including that increasingly rare feature. 🥳

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Or a four row.

[@afcgeo882]

@@user-ss3ud7pp7fI’m thinking a city bus.

[@10cpaul]

I love these little awesome suv's., but I can't rationale trading my boring 2017 no issue rav 4 for one! Only have one car and can't have it leaving me without a car.

[@AnsrMax]

The mazda CX50 turbo should be in the mix.

[@ytube777]

I have the opposite reaction to that horrendous display. More buttons and switches and a discrete display please. That said... it is the luxury segment so yeah.

[@ichinichisan]

Exterior is less cute, and I don't just mean the size: Too much black plastic grill.

[@billshoe22191]

I am not a fan of that grille. The front end is 90% black grille and it looks like it’s choking. 4,000 lbs is heavy for something this small. Interior looks really cheap and plastic for the price. No physical climate controls is also a fail. I also would have preferred a reliable Asin 8 speed auto over the dct.

[@brandonbowen8619]

I like it, but it’s too expensive in my opinion

[@glennkennedy441]

Looks nice, but it's no longer a Mini, nope, some people prefer a smaller car.

[@lolotus4borderless]

Smaller mini got you covered

[@shanet7511]

If you look at it as a Mini you'll hate it, if you look at it as a mini cooper alternative to an X1, Acura RDX etc you'll LOVE it

[@cormacsage7126]

2 Dr hatchback still good fun small mini

[@SimonGonzalOS]

Actually it looks better in this color and in JCW style. Its kinda like how the lower trim models of previous gen camry were ugly but the se and xse were handsome The green color makes it look like a dragonfly. But previous gens look better

[@baronvonjo1929]

Im very confused why Mini still exists in the USA. They sold about 30k units last year. They are doing BADLY

[@CandycaneBeyond]

18:34 what does the boost mode do?

[@lolotus4borderless]

Provide you with 10 seconds of insane torque

[@jaytaylor629]

Mini only in name, not in size.

[@MistSoalar]

why do i feel a burden of mini brand from this car?

[@jorgeguzman8083]

How come you didn't cover the third row seat?

[@lolotus4borderless]

😂

[@BKeaton]

That infotainment system absolutely sucks. Everything is integrated into it and simple functions are buried behind menus of menus of menus to where it comes between you and driving. It’s like someone who just wanted it to look nice designed it. Not someone who actually understands anything about driving, let alone driving a Mini. Dealers are admitting these are hard to sell.

[@lolotus4borderless]

The projection display got all the info you need as a driver Including navigation. I rarely mess with the screen while driving. Most refreshing vehicle I droved in more than a decade

[@BKeaton]

@@lolotus4borderless glad you liked it. I was given this as a loaner when my own mini went into service. I hated it. I just feel like less is definitely more. I kept missing the I-Drive controller and I felt borderline dangerous when I wanted to do simple adjustments such as changing the fan speed or checking which turn signal is on (I feel like the indicator should absolutely be in the HUD). Actually, why isn’t more on the HUD? They could’ve done so much with it. Revs, gears, basic stuff like a trip computer, none of that is there, it’s buried inside menus of the infotainment system. Gosh I hope they reverse on some of this stuff or I’ll be hanging on to my old mini for dear life.

[@bradyb9929]

Looks like a hurse

[@dpose6525]

Just so we need a big giant toy in the middle of the dashboard

[@katiecannon8186]

So tired of every single vehicle getting bigger & bigger Bad for the environment. Bad for safety It’s just stupid

[@omarjuma8364]

A total and complete farce. An insult to the word, the name, the legacy, the idea. A grotesque SUV made from recycled BMW components.

[@briankay5384]

Hard no.

[@Elaba_]

Mini Maxi.

[@herbieonline_]

love it

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Mini va Soul

[@vincerocker]

the most ugly mini

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

They really need to change the name from mini to something else

[@gartblaum]

Medium...maybe?

[@katmanjenks1961]

Really?