It’s Called A MINI, But This Has More Space Than My First Apartment

• The new MINI Countryman SE ALL4 Electric offers 432km of range, 460L boot space, and 0–100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
• Grown dimensions and smart packaging make it suitable for families or adventure-ready singles.
• Loaded with tech like a circular OLED display, adaptive cruise control, and four USB-C ports across all trims.

The very name MINI has done the brand no favours when attempting to convince Aussies that its largest offering is actually… well, not mini at all.

The new MINI Countryman has grown significantly from its predecessors. MINI’s marketing team now faces the automotive equivalent of convincing people that Vegemite tastes good on avocado toast; it might be true.

Still, you’ve got to overcome years of ingrained perception. Adding to the challenge is that arguably the most compelling offerings in the Countryman lineup are the new front-wheel drive E and all-wheel drive SE battery-electric models.

So let’s get this right. I’m here to tell you that the Countryman is not only big enough to be a practical car for active singles and young families, but you should also opt for the EV version.

Well, yes, I am. And after spending a week with the Countryman SE ALL4 electric, I’ve come armed with the cold, hard numbers that prove this MINI is more maxi than you’d expect.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the not-so-mini MINI in the driveway. The new Countryman has had a serious growth spurt, stretching 147mm longer, 21mm wider, and sitting 60mm taller than its predecessor.

With a wheelbase extended by 22mm, it’s now over 4.4m long. For the avoidance of doubt, that’s substantially larger than the original Countryman and places it firmly in the small SUV segment alongside the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes EQA.

In real-world terms, the Countryman has morphed from a slightly roomier Cooper or Clubman to a bona fide compact SUV. It’s less ‘fun-sized’ and closing in on family value, or, for the unattached, ready to swallow a weekend’s worth of mates and adventure equipment.

But the best thing is it’s still very recognisably MINI in design language. Albeit with enough substance to be taken seriously.

For parents, cars can be geometry problems wrapped in metal: will the pram fit? Can we pack enough for a weekend? Will the kids complain about legroom?

The new generation Countryman SE ALL4 Electric ‘s boot space is a respectable 460 litres with the rear seats up (enough for a full-sized pram plus shopping bags). It expands to 1450 litres with the seats folded. That’s properly usable space, not theoretical volume that only works if you’re transporting ping-pong balls.

For comparison’s sake, it edges out the Volvo XC40 Recharge’s 452L, the Kia Niro EV’s 451L, and the Renault Megane E-Tech’s 440L. Petrol Countryman models deliver even more space. The MINI Countryman line-up wins this particular numbers game.

There are three seat belts across the second row, some MINIs only offered two in the past. And these rear seats offer enough legroom for adults, not just kids. The real-world legroom is one of the genuine surprises of the Countryman — a proper feat in a vehicle that maintains relatively compact exterior dimensions.

For parents, there are two ISOFIX points and three top tethers for child seats. The rear doors open wide enough to make the child-seat installation less of a contortionist’s challenge. The cabin also features four USB-C ports for device charging—a number that any parent or regular road tripper (it’s not only kids who want POWWWWEEERRRR!!!) will recognise as just enough for modern peace-keeping operations.

Performance is a MINI staple. Fortunately, the Countryman delivers, boasting some impressive statistics, particularly in the all-electric dual-motor SE ALL4 variant. With 230kW of power (over 300hp in old money) and nearly 500Nm of torque available instantly, this MINI hits 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. For context, that’s quicker than a Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The all-wheel-drive SE’s dual-motor setup means it puts power down effectively in all conditions—from urban rainswept roads to the occasional gravel track leading to that secluded camping spot. It’ll keep the ski bunnies happy, too.

The true MINI character shines through the Countryman’s eight selectable Experience Modes. Core gives you the standard balanced setup, while Green optimises for efficiency. But the Go-Kart mode brings the biggest grin—sharpening throttle response, adding weight to the steering, and piping in some cheeky synthetic engine sounds through the speakers. The other modes (Personal, Timeless, Vivid, Balance, and Trail) each transform not just the driving dynamics but also the ambient lighting and the central display’s appearance. It’s properly theatrical in the best possible way.

The weekend warrior will appreciate the boot’s square shape and flat floor. As noted above, perfect for adventure gear. I managed to fit two full-size road bikes in with the seats folded (front wheels removed). A good-quality roof pod or racks will be a sensible addition for many.

Range anxiety? The Countryman SE ALL4’s 432km WLTP range translates to about 380km in real-world mixed driving. Enough for a weekend escape from Sydney to the Hunter Valley or Melbourne to the surf with confidence.

The 130kW DC fast charging capability isn’t world-beating but translates to a 29-minute coffee break taking the SE from 10-80% battery.

The electric MINI Countryman models deliver impressive tech to the segment, starting with the striking, now-signature, 9.4-inch circular OLED central display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, comfort access for keyless entry, and a heated steering wheel are standard across all three trim levels (core, Classic, and Favoured).

The Classic trim ($67,990 for the E, $72,990 for the SE ALL4) adds tech that everyone will appreciate: adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View, Automatic Speed Limit Assistant, and Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

I’m not entirely convinced of the need to be logged in via the MINI smartphone app to properly use full functionality (and stay connected to CarPlay), but this may suit owners better than ring-in reviewers.

The MINI stacks up well when you compare what you get for your money against European competitors. From the same broad family, the BMW iX1 with similar specs will set you back substantially more, while the MINI brings much of the same tech and a more engaging driving experience.

Running costs are where the Countryman battery electric models make their case even stronger. An average home charging session costs approximately $15-20 for a full charge (depending on your electricity rate), compared to the $60-80 you’d spend on petrol for a similar range. And if you have solar, it’s essentially free…

The scheduled maintenance follows basic condition-based servicing with four-year capped price servicing available from around $1500. Warranty coverage extends to five years with unlimited kilometres, while the battery itself is covered for eight years or 160,000km.

Perhaps most significantly for the budget-conscious, both the Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4 sneak in under the Luxury Car Tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles, providing a significant price advantage over some competitors. Novated leasing could make it even more attractive if that’s an option for you.

After living with the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 for a week or so, I’m slightly smitten. I raced a JCW Cooper a decade or so ago, and there’s definitely a clear lineage or DNA. It’s a fun drive: Go Kart mode and the whacky electronic soundtrack are especially worth trying (in small doses).

Better still, the numbers back up the Countryman E and SE: these are surprisingly practical vehicles that happen to wear MINI badges rather than compromised mini-SUVs trying to play in the space.

For families, the MINI Countryman offers genuine everyday usability. It has enough space, technology, and range to handle the school run, weekend sports, and occasional road trips without requiring the footprint of a traditional large SUV.

For active singles, it delivers performance that’ll put a smile on your face, practical space for lifestyle gear, and a distinctive character that stands out from the increasingly homogeneous electric SUV crowd.

The MINI Countryman Electric’s biggest challenge isn’t its actual dimensions, however. Those are genuinely competitive. It’s overcoming the perception that anything wearing a MINI badge must be, well, mini.

But numbers don’t lie, and these ones make a compelling case that the Countryman deserves consideration… It’s a proper full-fat, full-caffeine, full-sized compact SUV—and one that happens to be a bit more fun than most.