The all-electric MINI Countryman, which gains up to 35 kilometers of additional range per charge through improved energy efficiency. [MINI Korea]
The all-electric MINI Countryman, which gains up to 35 kilometers of additional range per charge through improved energy efficiency. [MINI Korea]

MINI has extended the range of its electric Countryman by up to 35 kilometers per charge without increasing the battery's total capacity — the result of a more efficient inverter, low-friction components and reduced aerodynamic drag. The base model can now travel 381 kilometers on a single charge.

MINI Korea announced Thursday it is officially launching the updated all-electric MINI Countryman in South Korea.

The new model is available in two variants — the front-wheel-drive E and the all-wheel-drive SE ALL4 — across three trim levels: Classic, Favoured and JCW.

Both variants retain the existing 66.5 kWh gross battery capacity. MINI revised the battery management system and software to expand the usable net capacity to 65.2 kWh.

The update also cuts energy losses during power conversion. A new silicon carbide (SiC) inverter improves the efficiency of converting the battery's direct current into the power needed to drive the motor.

Rolling resistance has been reduced as well. Low-friction wheel bearings are fitted to the front axle, and aerodynamic refinements to the body bring the drag coefficient to 0.26. The focus, in effect, was on reducing the energy the vehicle consumes rather than enlarging the battery.

The efficiency gains translate directly into range. The Countryman E's combined energy consumption improved from 4.8 km/kWh to 5.3 km/kWh, and its single-charge range grew by 32 kilometers, from 349 km to 381 km.

The E is powered by an electric motor producing 204 horsepower and 25.5 kg·m of torque, with a 0-to-100 km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds.

The high-performance all-wheel-drive SE ALL4 sees an even larger improvement. Its combined efficiency rises from 4.4 km/kWh to 5.0 km/kWh, and its range increases by 35 kilometers to 361 km per charge.

Dual electric motors — one on each axle — deliver a combined 313 horsepower and 50.4 kg·m of torque, with a 0-to-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Both the E and SE ALL4 have also moved up one notch in South Korea's energy efficiency rating, from grade 3 to grade 2.

Some convenience features have been updated as well. The panoramic glass sunroof, previously exclusive to the SE ALL4, is now standard across all models and trim levels. Inside, a 240-millimeter circular OLED display and MINI's signature toggle bar are retained, and the rear seatback folds in a 4:2:4 split.

Driving Assistant Plus — which includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist — comes standard on all models, as does Parking Assistant Plus, which bundles surround view, remote 3D view and a drive recorder.

The SE ALL4 JCW adds Driving Assistant Professional, which incorporates lane-change assist, front cross-traffic warning and emergency braking assist.

Pricing starts at 58.9 million won ($41,600) for the Countryman E Classic. The SE ALL4 Favoured is priced at 63.5 million won and the SE ALL4 JCW at 66.1 million won. DC fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes approximately 29 minutes.

MINI has been broadening its domestic lineup around the Countryman. In June, four official Korean dealers unveiled the Countryman S ALL4 Dealer Tailored Edition, a variant built to reflect customer preferences.


kwater@heraldcorp.com