The not so mini Mini Countryman is bigger, badder, better and is available for the first time as a full-blown electric model. Now in its third generation, the hulking MPV has grown 60mm in height, 130mm in length and also boasts a longer wheelbase. The EV is also considerably heavier, which is not going to favour the legendary Go Kart handling associated with the brand, but more about that later.
Design-wise, we can see the BMW influence beginning to manifest itself with a much more chiselled front end that is completely devoid of chrome. The massive solid grille finished in piano black does sport a chequered flag in the centre (JCW spec) which also doubles as a sensor pack for the level-two autonomous driving capability. The signature circular headlights sport a more angular look and are now configurable, as are the rear clusters where you now have options to the Union flag motif that featured on older models.
Along the flanks, a sharp crease raises the shoulder while the doors now feature the same flush handles as the flagship 7-Series BMW. A two-tone roof (red on our test car) matches the wing mirror casing and the drop-down wings in the floating C pillar. Black and brushed aluminium 21ins, five-spoke rims add a massive dollop of sportiness, as does the deep roof spoiler.
Inside is where the real magic begins to unfold and where the car’s sustainability shows. The upper dash and doors are covered in a knitted fabric made from recycled plastics taken from the ocean. The s.