2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman, E badging

•    Auto123 reviews the 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman, the brand’s sole plug-in hybrid model for now.

•    The hybrid powertrain adds weight to a model known for its lightweight agility, but it still offers a dynamic drive.

•    Owners disciplined enough to plug in every night will be rewarded with very low fuel consumption.

Minis are still fun, let’s make that clear. Over the years the brand’s models have certainly gotten bigger, and they’re not exactly found in the categories of ‘cheap cars’ anymore. Still, they deliver a driving experience that is largely unique and uniquely pleasure.

A few years ago we saw the first all-electric Mini debut on the market. Unsurprisingly, the Cooper SE was fine in the fun department, the instant torque of an EV doing no harm to the level of enjoyment it delivered to those at the wheel.

But this 2022 Cooper SE Countryman is a different kettle of fish. Because the kettle contains not just an electric motor and battery pack, like the Cooper SE, and not just a combustion engine and attendant parts, like the regular Mini Countryman. It houses both. And so it is 244 kg heavier than that regular Countryman.

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman – profile

This means that while it absolutely looks like a Mini, with no big design departures save the big E logos on the sides and back of the car, the drive it delivers has to be affected in some way. That’s probably OK if it’s not majorly different, but if it is, the question becomes this: What’s the point of a sluggish, heavy Mini?

So as mentioned, the look of the 2022 Mini Countryman is true to what we know and love about the brand’s cars. It’s kind of block-y and it’s got rounded parts here and there, but it all comes together nicely, if you like that kind of look. It’s certainly different and distinctive.

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman – interior

The interior is distinct as well, meaning you know you’re in a Mini from the moment you sit down, or even when you look in at it from the outside! I defy anyone not to get a kick out of those switches lined up in a row on the lower console, or enjoy the round display screens. The best kind of futuristic design is retro-futuristic design, if you ask me.

In the application, use of the infotainment system and driver data is all relatively straightforward, no complains there really. It’s all a little gamer-oriented, but if you’re driving a Mini you’re not closed to that I guess.

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman – on the truck

On the road
All of the gadgetry and design fun is well and good, but this is where you get to the heart of the question with this plug-in Mini, of course. First off, know that you can drive, if there’s sufficient charge and you’re not at illegal highway speed, in all-electric mode to keep the engine dormant. That would be MAX eDRIVE. Stick with that and you’ll see your range melt away like a snowman in March (February, with climate change factored in).

Officially that range is 29 km, but that depends on the route being just so and your behaviour being angelic, and in any case, as with most hybrid-powertrain models, in the end most owners will simply let the powertrain do the work of deciding when to use what motor. Their job is to have the self-discipline to plug the thing in every night. If they do, most commutes of reasonable length (and below a certain speed) won’t involve bringing the ICE into use.

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman – Three quarter back

Range-schmange, you’re probably saying. How does the thing drive? Well, it drives via a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, along with the electric motor. The ICE gives 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor (powered by a 10-kWh battery) throws in another 87 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the presence of the latter, acceleration off the line is very lively, weight issues or no.

After that, the smart positioning of the battery pack (under the back seats) gives the car a good weight distribution for rear-wheel grip – perfect since this Mini is RWD when you’re using that all-electric mode. And even, low weight distribution helps maximize agility and cornering ability. You do sit higher than in a Cooper, but body roll is minimal, and most importantly, it’s predictable.

Otherwise both the steering and suspension are pleasingly firm but won’t make your bad back (I have one of those) worse unless you overdo it on rough road surfaces.

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers Front of 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman

Quirky, not quite fully practical for families, a little hard on the rump, maybe not perfectly ideal for winter, not super cheap (starting MSRP is $44,990) – all of that’s true, and none of it will matter much to those sold on the Mini vibe. Something that’s easy to be, because the charms of this car are many and manifest.

We like

A unique look that worksDynamic driveFun, distinctive interior
Decent cargo space (487 litres)

We like less

Firm ride can wear you down in the long runHybrid powertrain makes for a heavier vehicle than other CoopersPrice point
We’re getting farther and farther away from that traditional ‘mini’ Mini size

The (closest) competition

Hyundai Tucson PHEV
Toyota RAV4 Prime

2022 mini cooper se countryman review: plugging in to fun
Photo: D.Boshouwers 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman – Back

Keyword: 2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman Review: Plugging in to Fun

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Data from 10,000 EVs and 18 models shows a roughly 30 percent lower range in winter on average.

View more: Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Top Gear’s Top 9: minivans that are cooler than SUVs

Hyundai Staria Ford Supervan Hyundai iMax N Ford Transit 'XJ220' Peugeot 806 Procar VW ID Buzz Porsche Vision Renndienst Renault Espace F1 Lexus LM Hyundai Staria What, exactly, is going on in the Hyundai design office at the moment? The Ioniq 5 looks great, the Ioniq 6 is truly ...

View more: Top Gear’s Top 9: minivans that are cooler than SUVs

2025 Volvo EM90 MPV Marks The Debut Of The First Volvo Minivan

Photo: Volvo Volvo released a fully-electric minivan called the EM90 in China on Monday, where the luxury MPV segment is hugely popular. The Volvo EM90 will be the Swedish automaker’s first minivan, and it just happens to be a rear wheel drive EV, though Volvo says the EM90 traces ...

View more: 2025 Volvo EM90 MPV Marks The Debut Of The First Volvo Minivan

Sumitomo Metal Mining looks to boost battery materials output, possibly in US

TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) – Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining (5713.T) is considering producing cathode battery materials in the United States among other options as it looks to expand output to meet demand from electric vehicles, an executive said on Thursday. Sumitomo Metal, which supplies the nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cathode materials for ...

View more: Sumitomo Metal Mining looks to boost battery materials output, possibly in US

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here The new (and massive) third-generation Mini Countryman is already here. Now BMW has provided more detail about the infinitely more interesting John Cooper Works variant. Underneath those blocky new flanks sits a 2.0-litre four-pot engine rated at 300hp and 400Nm of torque, ...

View more: Mini John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here

How The Volvo EX30's Minimalist Interface Feels To Operate

Reducing weight, deleting components, and recycled materials make it work. But not without some tradeoffs.

View more: How The Volvo EX30's Minimalist Interface Feels To Operate

This Mostly Stock Electric Mini Punched Above Its Weight. It’s Now A Street Rally Champion

With a standard electric motor and some smart tweaks, the front-wheel drive EV was faster than some Ferraris and Porsches.

View more: This Mostly Stock Electric Mini Punched Above Its Weight. It’s Now A Street Rally Champion

The Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Might Be One Of The Quietest Cars In The World

Dual-chamber air suspension, silent tires, and road noise cancellation tech work together to make the EM90 a silent office on wheels.

View more: The Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Might Be One Of The Quietest Cars In The World

Volvo officially releases the EM90, its first minivan with over 450 miles range

Volvo EM90 Minivan Has a Screen That Folds Down From The Roof And Does Many Things

Mini Reveals New John Cooper Works Countryman, Arrives Q3 2024

Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Has Rear-Wheel Drive And Illuminated Grille

Every electric car you can buy in South Africa under R1 million

Suzuki Jimny With “Little G. Traditional” Body Kit is Mini Geländewagen

Mini Says Fun Performance Cars Won't Die In the Electric Era

New GWM Ora vs Mini Cooper SE – Cheapest electric hatchbacks in South Africa compared

Tynee Mini 3 review: Is it the next new leader in affordable electric skateboards?

Mini launching new hot crossover in South Africa in 2024 – 0-100km/h in 5 seconds

MINI launches the limited-edition MINI Clubman Final Edition in Singapore

The New Mini John Cooper Works Countryman – ALL4 AWD System, 300hp

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel