The all-electric, big MINI Countryman is the latest take on a 65-year-old car
The current electric MINI Countryman is unmistakably a Mini.
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The MINI celebrates its 65th birthday this year. BMW, which owns the brand, describes it as having “65 years of pioneering design and exhilarating performance. Since its inception in 1959, MINI has captured the hearts of drivers around the world with its unique blend of style, agility, and innovation.”
To mark the milestone, I recently test-drove one of the newest models: the all-electric MINI Countryman S. It’s a fascinating blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology.
From the outside, the latest MINI clearly draws on the styling cues of its predecessor. The familiar profile and signature headlights make it unmistakably part of the Mini lineage. Inside, the 240-mm (9.4 in) round navigation screen pays homage to the original Mini’s centre-mounted speedometer while embracing the latest in digital displays. The cabin is equally well-thought-out, with straightforward controls and a focus on usability. The tall side windows make visibility excellent, and even taller drivers will find the headroom more than sufficient.
Despite its name, today’s MINI is far from “mini” in size. The five-door version I tested sits on a 2,670 mm (105.1 in) wheelbase, is 4,281 mm (168.5 in) long, and 1,441 mm (56.7 in) high. For comparison, the original Mini was considerably smaller, with a 2,037 mm (80.2 in) wheelbase, a length of 3,060 mm (120.5 in), and a height of 1,346 mm (53 in). There’s also a smaller, three-door MINI, which has a 2,495 mm (98.2 in) wheelbase and is 3,837 mm (151.1 in) long.
 Inside the new BMW MINI, there’s a round centre-mounted nav screen – borrowing the idea of the round speedometer in the centre of the original Mini. |
 The family resemblance is striking between the original Mini (left) and the latest MINI Cooper E. |
Performance has also evolved significantly. The all-electric MINI Countryman S produces 308 horsepower, providing plenty of punch for city and highway driving. (Gasoline-powered versions are also available.) By contrast, the original Mini debuted with an 850 cc (51.7 cu in) engine delivering just 37 horsepower – though larger engines were offered later. The difference is striking: the new MINI’s power is more than eight times that of the original. The test model’s price reflects its modern capabilities, coming in at $70,090.
The Mini’s origins can be traced back to the 1950s during the Suez Crisis, which reduced oil supplies and led to fuel rationing in Great Britain. Sir Alex Issigonis was tasked with designing a car that was economical, spacious, and affordable. Issigonis achieved this by pushing the wheels to the corners, mounting the engine sideways to save space, and adopting front-wheel drive. These innovations allowed the Mini to be just 3,060 mm (120.5 in) long – 1,000 mm (39.7 in) shorter than a Volkswagen Beetle – while still offering impressive interior space.
Introduced in 1959, the Mini quickly became a phenomenon. During the 1960s, it served multiple roles: practical family car, racing champion, and cultural icon. Its owners included Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Princess Grace, and members of the British Royal Family. Its success in motorsport was equally impressive, including victories at the Monte Carlo Rally, where it cemented its reputation for agility and performance.
The Mini also left a lasting impact on the auto industry. Its innovative design – front-wheel drive with a transverse engine – became the blueprint for many compact cars, influencing models like the Chevrolet Citation, Ford Taurus, and Chrysler K-Cars. Minis were more common in Canada than in the United States, where they were discontinued after 1968 due to emission regulations. In Canada, however, they remained available until 1980.
The Mini was revived in 2002 after BMW acquired the rights to the brand. This is when BMW began using all capital letters for the name: MINI. The revived brand retained its charm while incorporating modern features and technology.
Today’s MINI, particularly the all-electric Countryman S, is ideal for those seeking a unique compact SUV that combines modern technology with a nod to its storied past. It offers more space, luxury, and power than its predecessor while retaining the charm that made the original Mini a cultural icon.
For drivers who want something distinctive and fun, the electric MINI Countryman delivers the perfect blend of innovation and nostalgia, proving that even after 65 years, the MINI remains a trailblazer in automotive design.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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