Mini Countryman Electric review

Prices for the Countryman E start at £42,080, the SE All4 arriving at £47,180; a notable premium compared to their combustion siblings. The entry-level Countryman C with a 1.5-litre 3cyl turbo engine starts at just £29,340.

The new car market is currently undergoing a post-pandemic, post-chip crisis correction, so remember there are more deals to be had. Even so, we’d say the Countryman EV’s pricing is pretty punchy.

For reference, the Tesla Model Y and less practical but highly desirable EV6 starts aren't much more. Skoda’s understated but substantial Enyaq iV costs a few grand less. As ever, it’s worth checking out the leasing deals. Mini currently offers an entry-level Countryman E in Classic trim for £500 per month on a four-year PCP deal if you put £4,500 down as a deposit.

We also like the fact that Mini isn’t just paying lip service to sustainability. That brilliant cabin shows how the use of recycled materials can actually breathe new life into a car’s interior, while the Countryman is manufactured in a factory (in Leipzig, alongside BMWs) that uses green electricity, emits less CO2, and uses less water.

As mentioned, the trim levels are Classic, Exclusive and Sport. Classic brings with it small 17in aero-spec wheels, lots of black plastic cladding and silver, white, black or blue paint options. Exclusive trim adds 'Vibrant Silver' accents, 18in wheels, a heated steering wheel and a more colourful interior. It also allows you to spec a few more vibrant exterior paint colours.

Sport trim brings a 'JCW Style' bodykit with special bumpers, painted brake calipers and lots of gloss black trim. There's a black and red interior too and standard 19in wheels.

Beyond the standard equipment, Mini has simplified the options packages into Level 1 and Level 2; the former adds adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access, heated seats, a head-up display (which looks a little cheap compared to rival attempts) and wireless phone charging. Level 1 is standard fit on all trims if you go for the more powerful Countryman SE All4, whereas you'll pay £2,500 for it on top of all Countryman E trims.

Level 2 is a £5,000 option on the E and £2,500 on the SE All4. It adds Mini's Driving Assistant Plus, the Harman Kardon surround sound system, a panoramic roof, and more. BMW’s UK service inclusive costs £386 and runs to four years’ service on electric Minis with no mileage restriction.