Mini Countryman SE ALL4 | When the style takes precedence over efficiency

Do not tell us stories. The buyer of an electric vehicle cares little that it drives like a kart. Rather, it provides autonomy, energy efficiency and recharge speed. Not only does Countryman are not ticking all these boxes, but it is also expensive.

The third generation countryman was the subject of a test bench in our pages last fall. It was then the version with an internal combustion engine. Here is the other countryman, who “carbide” only with electricity. This addition to the range is satisfied with an accumulator whose useful capacity (64.7 kWh) is slightly lower than the overall supply of the entire world automotive industry (71.4 kWh). Considering the positioning of this model and its template, the Countryman is not to be ashamed of the comparison in the face of its alleged rivals.

Read our Tentryman Petrol Countryman test bench

The lithium-ion battery takes care to supply two electric propellants whose combined power is equivalent to 308 horsepower and 364 pounds of torque. This is enough to make you forget the excess weight (almost 450 kilograms) that this version drags. As should be expected, the acceleration is prompt and the countryman reaches 100 km/h in a little less than six seconds. Without effort. Without character. The reminders are just as flexible, but prove to be more arduous in medium and high speed. The top speed is limited to 180 km/h.

According to official data, this mini, when it envelops its 18 -inch tire rims, can travel up to 341 kilometers (see our tables) and consumes on average 21.7 kWh/100 km. Climb it on 19-inch tires and everything changes. The supplies are more frequent (328 kilometers) and energy efficiency decreases (22.9 kWh/100 km). An electric Hyundai Kona, for example, does better (370 kilometers of autonomy and 20.5 kWh/100 km). And it also recharges faster. As long as the terminal delivers the goods.

In “real life” and in the middle of winter, these figures have a very relative value. Under these conditions, the mini countryman is more disappointed than it enchanted. It incites to constantly modulate the heating and air conditioning system-this “eats” a lot of energy-to ensure the minimum: lighten the windshield. Meanwhile, the occupants of the interior freeze. “Highlights” (the blower has five speeds) from time to time allow you to end the teeth without risking not reaching its destination. Chilly and chilly, you have warned.

The Mini Countryman SE ALL4 cannot claim to be the electric vehicle par excellence. On the other hand, the (not so) little German-English can flatter itself to be the most intoxicating to drive in its category.

Firmly camped on the ground, this countryman does not swing in turns like a kart, but still manages to compose a little better with its excess weight than other electric vehicles. Stability cannot be questioned, any more than motor skills.

On the other hand, the management does not have this sliced ​​side of the thermal version or its balance in terms of handling. The suspension, however, reacts to holes and bumps in the same way, firmly. As for braking, unlike the heating and air conditioning system, it cannot be adjusted easily. No watershed to finely configure energy recovery, but this allows you to drive by the brake pedal. Something that we do not recommend in winter season due to the grip of grip.

Technicalist

This mini which, externally, could claim to be the younger sister of the Land Rover Defender opens its doors and its tailgate on a universe where nostalgia and futurism embrace. Like many electric vehicles (cost cost requires), this countryman plays the minimalism card. No more aviation style switches, topstitching and leather hems. The time is recycling with medium quality fabrics and plastics (considering the price requested).

In this slightly chenu environment, the light disc nailed to the center of the dashboard bursts the screen. With its fanciful colors, its funny themes, Countryman SE All4 promises to entertain you. Its very dense interface represents a potentially hazardous place of distraction. During your (frequent) stops at the charging station, this winter, you will have all the time necessary to master it.