MINI Korea has officially launched the gasoline model of the ‘All-New MINI Countryman’ and unveiled the new MINI family that will usher in a new era for MINI.
The all-new MINI Countryman is a complete redesign that unveils the 3rd generation, 7 years after the 2nd generation model debuted in 2017. With a modern and sophisticated design, a larger body and spacious feel compared to the previous generation models, innovative digital experiences, and powerful driving performance, it has transformed into a premium SUV that encompasses all lifestyles.
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design and Advanced Design, who visited Korea for the launch event of the all-new MINI family and Countryman, introduced the new design direction reflected throughout the new MINI family, stating, “The new design language of the MINI family, characterized by ‘Charismatic Simplicity’, is the DNA unique to the MINI brand that has existed in the brand’s history and a core value of the MINI brand transitioning to electrification. The all-new MINI Countryman, reborn as a vehicle for the whole family, has not only significantly evolved in body size and interior space but will also provide differentiated value in terms of appearance, characteristics, and experiential aspects.”
The exterior of the all-new MINI Countryman maintains the core of the MINI brand identity while maximizing a minimalist modern sensibility. The body is longer by 150mm, wider by 25mm, and taller by 105mm, with a wheelbase increase of 20mm compared to the previous generation MINI Countryman. The cleanly designed body surface, larger wheel arches, distinct fender lines, a high hood, and a front end that is nearly vertical complete the premium SUV’s substantial presence.
The all-new MINI Countryman retains the model-specific angular headlights and rear lights shaped like the British flag, Union Jack, while emphasizing a bold impression with the new octagonal grille that highlights its contours with slender lines. New Vibrant Silver color accents have been applied to exterior elements such as the roof, side mirror caps, and front grille for a more refined look.
In addition to the perfectly voluminous evolution in the rear, vertical rear lights emphasize simplicity, and a wider rear bumper and newly designed rear diffuser provide a bulkier appearance. The MINI LED headlights and rear lights offer a unique signature lighting function that can be chosen in three different modes to personalize the exterior further.
Additionally, the high-performance model, the new MINI JCW Countryman, features a JCW-exclusive front grille, unique black logo, and a Chili Red color roof and accents inspired by motorsports, emphasizing its distinctive appeal.
The interior space of the all-new MINI Countryman has also evolved into a clean and sophisticated look, retaining only essential elements. For the first time, the dashboard surface is made with 100% recycled polyester fabric, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The newly developed MINI toggle bar reflects the heritage of the classic Mini, allowing intuitive operation of key functions required for driving, and the cloth-strapped three-spoke steering wheel provides a sporty yet lightweight feel.
The spacious and comfortable interior offers enhanced convenience and practicality for the driver. The shoulder and elbow space in the front seats has been increased by approximately 3cm compared to the previous generation, greatly enhancing comfort, and a floating armrest incorporates a center console box for ample space usage. The rear seats feature adjustments for forward and backward positioning as well as reclining angles, and the trunk space has expanded from a basic 505 liters to a maximum of 1530 liters.
The most distinctive feature of the interior space of the all-new MINI Countryman is the circular OLED display situated in the center of the dashboard. This 240mm diameter circular OLED display, developed in collaboration with Samsung Display, offers vivid quality and swift responsiveness, providing an experience akin to using a smartphone.
The gauge cluster, navigation, climate control, and infotainment functions are seamlessly integrated into the circular OLED display. Critical driving information such as speed, engine RPM, and fuel levels are displayed on the head-up display, which is standard across all models, minimizing the need for drivers to shift their gaze.
The all-new MINI Countryman runs on the latest operating system, MINI Operating System 9 (MINI OS 9), which provides features including an array of in-car games, video streaming, and various third-party app integrations, including T-map based Korean MINI navigation.
The ‘MINI Experience Modes’, which can be chosen in up to eight variations (seven for the new MINI Cooper, eight for the new MINI Countryman), offers unique and immersive experiences by providing different concepts in screen graphics and interfaces, dashboard ambient projections, and sounds for driving and functions.
Furthermore, MINI OS 9 supports various connected features, including MINI Digital Key Plus, which allows the use of a smartphone as a car key, background personalization settings for the circular OLED display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and compatibility with the mobile MINI app.
The initial launch of the all-new MINI Countryman in Korea offers two engine specifications. The new MINI Countryman S ALL4 features a MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 204 horsepower and 30.6kg·m of torque, combined with a 7-speed Steptronic double clutch transmission.
The high-performance model, the new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4, has a MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 317 horsepower and 40.8kg·m of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
All models come equipped with MINI’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, ‘ALL4’, which provides exceptional off-road capabilities, outstanding power performance, and the brand’s characteristic lively driving feel.
The all-new MINI Countryman is equipped with various advanced driver assistance features that support safe and enjoyable driving. All models, including the Classic trim, feature front collision warning, pedestrian warning, lane departure warning, parking assistant, rear parking assistance, head-up display, LED headlights with high beam assistance, front seat power adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, comfort access, and driver’s seat massage functions as standard.
Additionally, favored trims and JCW models come with active cruise control featuring stop-and-go and lane-keeping assist, parking assistant plus with surround view and remote 3D view, a panoramic glass sunroof for a high sense of openness, and Harman Kardon speakers among other premium safety and convenience features.
The pricing for the all-new MINI Countryman starts at 49,900,000 KRW for the Classic trim of the MINI Countryman S ALL4, 57,000,000 KRW for the favored trim, and 67,000,000 KRW for the new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 (including VAT).
Meanwhile, MINI Korea unveiled the all-new MINI family, marking the brand’s transformation into a fully electric brand, during a media event on the 13th. The revealed models include the all-electric ‘All-New Electric MINI Cooper’ and ‘All-New Electric MINI Countryman’, as well as the new gasoline model, the 3-door ‘All-New MINI Cooper’, which will be sequentially launched in Korea starting with the all-new MINI Cooper 3-door gasoline model in July.
Contact: 이상진 daedusj@autodiary.kr