2017 Mini Countryman First Look: Now With More Plug-In

Mini is constantly pushing the limits of its own brand name. The second-generation Clubman became the biggest Mini yet when it debuted and now, the 2017 Mini Countryman takes back that title with its enlarged footprint. In addition to getting the latest crop of Mini engines, the new Countryman also adds the brand’s first plug-in hybrid variant.

The 2017 Countryman grows in nearly every dimension over its predecessor, now 8.0-8.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and with a wheelbase that’s 2.9 inches longer. At 105.1 inches, the wheelbase is identical to that of the Clubman and related BMW X1. The Countryman is considerably smaller than the X1, however. Still, Mini promises the new Countryman will offer the “most spacious Mini interior ever” thanks to the new UKL2 architecture.

Read about Motor Trend’s long-term 2017 Mini Clubman HERE.

Looks-wise, not much has changed. The new Countryman features more angular headlights, as opposed to the rounder, teardrop-shaped units on the outgoing model. The grille is now slimmer, and all models sport the frowning front-end look that was previously only available on Cooper S models and up. Aside from the difference in size, you’ll find it difficult spotting the changes from the side and rear. The 2017 Countryman gets new taillights with a circular LED design element, however.

The second-gen Countryman receives the new engines that first debuted with the Hardtop hatchback. Those engines include a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque for the Cooper model, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 making 189 hp and 207 lb-ft for Cooper S models. Both engines can be paired with an updated ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual transmission. Base front-wheel-drive models have the option of a six-speed automatic, but all others get an eight-speed auto as the optional transmission choice. Mini says the three-cylinder produces 42 percent more torque than the old base turbo 1.6-liter I-4, and scoots the Countryman to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, 1.6 seconds quicker than before.

Mini has also added a plug-in hybrid model called the Mini E Countryman Cooper S ALL4. Despite the Cooper S designation, the hybrid actually uses a turbo-three engine paired with an 87-hp electric motor. The combo is good for a combined 221 hp and 284 lb-ft. A 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides juice to the electric motor, and can be recharged in three hours and 15 minutes on a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The plug-in can travel 24 miles on electric power alone according to Mini’s preliminary range estimates; exact range and EPA-rated fuel economy figures are still being finalized. The electric motor drives the rear wheels, meaning e-AWD comes standard. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. The E Countryman will be the quickest in the range when it launches next June, with an estimated 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds.

The cabin has grown by 30 percent compared to the last generation, and retains its versatile sliding and folding rear seats and adjustable trunk floor. There’s no mention of the previous model’s configurable accessory rail option, which was of questionable use taking the place of the rear middle seat and running down the center of the cabin. In back, legroom increases by 3.8 inches and shoulder room increases by 1.9 inches. Meanwhile, rear headroom grows slightly by 0.8 inch. The cabin design maintains the quirkiness we expect from Mini, but adds useful features like a standard 6.5-inch high-resolution center screen and an available head-up display similar to the one offered on the Mazda3. An 8.8-inch touchscreen—an unusual feature for BMW Group, which has traditionally gone with dial interfaces like iDrive—is optional, and runs the new Mini Connected 5.0 infotainment system.

Standard features include faux-leather upholstery, hands-free keyless access, a panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, 40/20/40 split folding rear seats,17-inch alloy wheels, and automatic headlights. S models get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and sport seats. Heated seats come standard on All-wheel-drive models.

The 2017 Countryman will make its debut at the L.A. auto show in November. Non-hybrid Mini Countryman models go on sale next March, and pricing should be announced closer to launch.

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