Mini prepares to launch the electric Countryman

After the Mini “small size,” it will soon be the turn of the Countryman to go electric.

The current Countryman is approaching retirement. Its replacement will not necessarily bring a major design change. However, it will have the unique feature of being offered in a 100% electric version. At the same time, Mini will also offer combustion engines, which will most likely be supported by hybrid systems.

The first official images of the new Countryman show the vehicle heavily camouflaged. They have just been published by Mini, in a release that mainly addresses the production theme. Production will take place at the BMW factory in Leipzig, Germany, no longer at the Dutch site in Born. The next Countryman will thus become the first Mini manufactured outside of the UK.

Partially powered by decarbonized energy sources, the Leipzig plant is described as one of the “most modern and sustainable in the world”. It already produces several BMW models (Series 1, Series 2 Gran Coupé, Series 2 Active Tourer). The coexistence of a Mini with BMWs in a single factory will also be a first for the German group.

An Electric Countryman, Cousin of the BMW iX1?

Mini has not yet announced the specifications of the electric Countryman. The manufacturer is currently only making vague and necessarily enthusiastic comments, mentioning for example “electrified go-kart sensations” and “a particularly flat high-voltage battery”, which will free up space inside. Those who venture into predictions expect a powertrain similar to that of the BMW iX1, namely a dual-motor delivering a total of 313 hp, all-wheel drive, and a 64.7 kWh (usable capacity) battery.

The official reveal of the Mini Countryman is scheduled for this fall. Production will begin shortly after, before the end of the year.

Read also: Mini Electric Convertible: Limited and Not Cheap!