autoevolution's video: 2024 MINI Countryman Spied Testing on the nurburgring

Set to be manufactured alongside the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and 2 Series Active Tourer, all of which share the same UKL2 platform, the next-gen MINI Countryman will hit the assembly line later this year. Aside from the internal combustion engine-powered variants, MINI will also launch a battery-electric derivative, which is expected to mirror the configuration of the BMW iX1 SUV. If that turns out to be true, then it should feature a 64.7 kWh battery pack powering a bi-motor setup driving both axles. On the iX1, this drivetrain packs 364 pound-feet (494 Nm) of torque, and 308 horsepower (312 ps/230 kW). We can only assume that the Countryman EV (name unconfirmed) will retain those numbers. The car we see here tacking on the Nurburgring is clearly a gasoline-powered variant, which should make its way to the U.S. as a 2024 model. It clearly seems to handle fairly well, and the fact that it has quad exhaust pipes points to this being a flagship specification, probably the JCW (John Cooper Works). Visually, gas-powered models will differ from the EV quite clearly, as the latter won’t feature any exhaust pipes, which also means a different rear bumper design to go with more aero-friendly wheels, and probably a tweak or two for the front fascia too, like a closed-off grille design, maybe even slightly different graphics for the headlights. Look for a few key differences on the inside too, like the dedicated sub-menus of the infotainment system and digital dials, alongside perhaps bespoke upholstery and trim, and maybe some new badges for the EV. Right now, the outgoing Countryman has a starting MSRP of $32,650, in return for which you only get 134 horsepower. You can also spend upwards of $32,900 on the S variant, while the JCW model, with its 301 horsepower, will cost a minimum of $43,800. 💗 *Follow more updates via our official channels:* • Homepage: https://www.autoevolution.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautoevolution/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autoevolution • Twitter: https://twitter.com/_autoevolution_