Can’t buy the electric Mini Countryman with the incentive?

Mini discounts its new electric Countryman for long-term rentals (LLD) but not for purchase, thus excluding the ecological bonus.

“I’ll lend you, but it comes back!” Manufacturers are making fewer and fewer efforts to sell their cars. They now prefer to lease them, as the long-term revenue is much better. The second, or even third life, of a car has become another factor considered by companies at a time when raw material costs are very high.

This situation occurs with Mini, where the new Countryman E electric is now available. Manufactured at the BMW factory in Leipzig, it qualifies for the €4,000 ecological bonus in France… but its price above the regulatory 47,000 euros ultimately excludes it.

Is it better to rent?

In France, the entry-level version of the Mini Countryman E in Favoured trim (204 horsepower) is priced at 50,070 euros. If it were discounted by 3,071 euros, it would then qualify for the ecological bonus. But this is “not yet” the case. It will surely happen a bit later in this model’s lifecycle… but will the bonus still exist? The trend points to the disappearance of the bonus in the upcoming years. Perhaps even as early as 2025… Another surprise: the more affordable versions, Essential and Classic, do not seem to be offered in France.

Therefore, it makes sense to opt for long-term leasing (LLD). This is especially relevant for an electric car, where technology evolves rapidly and cars are still quite expensive. Offered starting from 495 euros/month without a down payment, for a 36-month period. This totals 17,820 euros, which is less than the depreciation of the car over the same period. Making it an extremely attractive option!

Ultimately, the lack of an ecological bonus on the purchase of the Mini Countryman E is not such a bad thing for the Anglo-German manufacturer.

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