2021 MINI Cooper SE Countryman

2021 MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV Photo credit Bob Jackson

Whew…that’s a long name, isn’t it?

It might just be easier to call this the “Maxi MINI”.

I’m sure you already know that the MINI is a small, nimble, fun-to-drive…and loveably quirky little car…right?

Well the Countryman is the most maxed-out MINI…the Big Brother of the family…largest in size and equipped in ALL4 Plug-in Electric dress, this Countryman has quite a few luxury / performance features and a mid-$40’s window sticker.

But even as the Big Guy of the group, MINI’s Countryman is true to its roots. Nimble, fun-to-drive, and yes…still loveably quirky.

And economical. This is a plug-in electric with a 1.5 liter turbo three. Yes…a three cylinder. MINI has had this three for a couple of years now…and you’ll see more and more manufacturers going to turbo threes on their smaller vehicles.

So what does that give you? Eager acceleration and an EPA rating of 73 equivalent MPGs. 29 miles per gallon if you’re running strictly on gas.

Fully charged, this MINI will give you around 17 miles of pure electric propulsion before it switches over to gas. As with most plug-ins, recharging using standard 120 volt current will get you roughly three miles for every hour of charging. So plug in at night when rates are lower, and you should have your 17 all-electric miles in the morning.

And if you don’t have the ability to charge at home, there are over 19,000 public rapid-charge locations right now…with more coming daily.

Being the “Maxi-MINI”, the Countryman has ample room for four adults and a week’s worth of luggage.

And while the driver will have the best end of the deal, passengers will enjoy the panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, and Harman / Kardon premium audio.

As for the driver? Well, just remember…MINI is owned by BMW. So in addition to spirited handling, you get 18” black alloys, summer performance tires, heated sport seating…and a variety of little “MINI-only” touches like an aircraft-like starter switch instead of today’s typical push-buttons.

If the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV seems to be calling your name, here’s some “frosting” on your cake: While state rules and regs all vary, it’s very possible that you’ll find some attractive tax credits on your plug-in MINI…potentially saving you thousands.